Mount Coolum

Population growth drivers in Mount Coolum are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Mount Coolum is estimated at around 4819 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 274 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4545 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4792, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 963 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 794 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 15.9% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Coolum recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mount Coolum has seen approximately 11 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 59 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling attracts about 3.2 new residents per year.

This has led to significant demand exceeding supply, typically driving price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost for new dwellings is approximately $693,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $5.4 million, reflecting Mount Coolum's predominantly residential nature. New developments consist of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's low density character and appealing to space-seeking buyers. Notably, the proportion of detached housing being constructed has increased from the Census figure of 63.0%. Mount Coolum has around 316 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating its low density characteristics. Future projections estimate an addition of 767 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, there may be a shortfall in housing supply relative to population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Mount Coolum has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to influence the region: Sunshine Motorway West Coolum Road Upgrade Interchange, Marcoola Affordable Housing Project, Coolum to Peregian Springs Reservoir Trunk Water Supply Main, and Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Mount Coolum ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Mount Coolum has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. By December 2025, 2,571 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that 20.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a strong specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.4% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.5%, employment declined by 3.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Coolum's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Mount Coolum had a median income among taxpayers of $49,192. The average income stood at $71,750. This is above the national average of $53,146 and the regional Queensland average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,780 for median income and $79,901 for average income as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household incomes ranked at the 46th percentile, family incomes at the 48th percentile, and personal incomes at the 51st percentile in Mount Coolum. Income analysis revealed that the largest segment comprised 35.7% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,720 residents), mirroring the broader area where 31.7% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Mount Coolum displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Mount Coolum's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Coolum was at 30.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $450, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Mount Coolum's mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mount Coolum features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.1% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Mount Coolum demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 30.0% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 24.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 13.5% and certificates for 27.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.4%), secondary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Mount Coolum has eight active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes, together offering 330 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 365 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Mount Coolum sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 47 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Coolum's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Mount Coolum residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions largely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen among both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover is high, with approximately 56% of the total population (~2,680 people) having it, compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.6% of residents) and mental health issues (8.5%). About 69.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (968 people), with national rankings largely in line with the general population.

Mount Coolum ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Coolum's cultural diversity was found to be below average. 80.3% of its population were born in Australia, with 88.8% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.4% of Mount Coolum's population.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, making up 0.2% compared to 0.1% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.6%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) was overrepresented compared to regional figures (0.5%), as were Scottish (9.3%, vs 7.8%) and Dutch (1.8%, vs 1.1%).

Mount Coolum hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mount Coolum's median age is 43 years, higher than Regional Qld's average of 41 and exceeding the national average of 38. The 45-54 age group comprises 14.6%, compared to Regional Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is at 10.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 9.7% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 group declined from 16.5% to 14.6%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 14.2% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Mount Coolum's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 160 residents to reach 671. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 21%.