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, Mount Coolum's estimated population as of Nov 2025 is around 4,809. This reflects an increase of 264 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,545. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,769 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 961 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Mount Coolum has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the non-metro area. Population growth for the area 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the Mount Coolum statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 756 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Mount Coolum when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mount Coolum averaged around 11 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 59 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 4.8 new residents per home built over the past five financial years, indicating significant demand exceeding supply.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $693,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, approximately $5.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development.

Building activity shows 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Mount Coolum's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (63.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 320 people per dwelling approval, Mount Coolum shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mount Coolum is expected to grow by 777 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning 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 31 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Sunshine Motorway West Coolum Road Upgrade Interchange, Sunshine Motorway Duplication (Pacific Paradise to Coolum), and Sunshine Motorway Duplication (Pacific Paradise to Coolum). The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Mount Coolum has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.8%.

The area's unemployment rate is 1.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is 62.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.4% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Labour force levels decreased by 2.7% and employment declined by 2.1% over the 12 months to September 2025, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Mount Coolum's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Mount Coolum has a median taxpayer income of $49,192 and an average income of $71,750 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,067 (median) and $78,860 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Coolum rank modestly, between the 46th and 51st percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 35.7% of the community (1,716 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mount Coolum, with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mount Coolum displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with strong rates of outright home ownership

Mount Coolum's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.6% houses and 37.4% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The home ownership rate in Mount Coolum was 30.2%, with 39.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 30.0% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,863, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $450. Nationally, Mount Coolum's mortgage repayments were comparable to the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were significantly higher than the national figure of $375.

Mount Coolum features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.4 people

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households making up 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people.

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%, exceeding 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 at 6.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational credentials are held by 40.6% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas at 13.5% and certificates at 27.1%.

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

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 of which serve buses. These stops are covered by two different routes that together facilitate 330 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents generally living within 365 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 47 daily trips across all routes, equating to roughly 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Mount Coolum are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Coolum shows lower-than-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average among both younger and older residents.

Approximately 56% (~2,675 people) have private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the Queensland average. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health concerns (8.5%), while 69.0% report no medical ailments, contrasting with the 0% reported for the rest of Queensland. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 19.0% (913 people) of the population, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 population shows low cultural diversity, with 80.3% born in Australia and 88.8% being citizens. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4%. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 41.4%.

Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to none regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (32.6%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (10.1%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%), Scottish (9.3%), and Dutch (1.8%) populations are overrepresented in Mount Coolum compared to regional averages.

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

Mount Coolum's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 45-54 are most prominent, comprising 15.1% of the population, while the 25-34 group makes up only 10.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.7% to 11.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 15.1% and the 55-64 group has fallen from 14.2% to 13.1%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Mount Coolum. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 36%, adding 181 residents to reach a total of 686. Conversely, the number of individuals aged 15-24 is forecasted to decrease by 18%.