Nambour

Nambour lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Nambour is around 13,309, reflecting a growth of 1,164 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for the surrounding areas applied to Nambour by AreaSearch in June 2024 was 13,251. This increase includes 342 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,226 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages. Between the 2021 Census and November 2025, Nambour's growth rate of 9.6% surpassed both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.0% to this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by these data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is forecast to gain an additional 3,898 persons, reflecting a total increase of 28.2% over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Nambour among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Nambour has seen approximately 94 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 470 homes were approved, with an additional 24 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 3.1 new residents per year arrive per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes is $409,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $21.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing steady commercial investment activity.

Nambour maintains similar construction rates per person compared to the Rest of Qld, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 69.0% standalone homes and 31.0% medium and high-density housing, expanding medium-density options across various price brackets. With around 162 people per dwelling approval, Nambour exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, Nambour is projected to grow by 3,755 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections, though buyers may experience increased competition as the population grows.

Nambour has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Nambour Waste Precinct Project, Howard Street Mixed-Use Development, Nambour Place Revitalisation Project, and The Grove Nambour Heights. Below is a list of 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.

Nambour shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Nambour has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.9%.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of June 2025, 6,305 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is 2.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Nambour is lower at 56.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Notably, health care & social assistance has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing, however, has limited presence at 1.4%, compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force decreased by 2.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a slight increase in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Nambour. These projections estimate national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nambour's current employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Nambour's median taxpayer income was $44,954 and average income was $55,417 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average), which were recorded for Rest of Qld during the same period. By September 2025, estimated median income in Nambour would be approximately $51,243 and average income would be around $63,170, based on a 13.99% growth rate from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. Census data from 2021 indicated that incomes in Nambour fell between the 15th and 17th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile showed that 30.4% of the community (4,045 individuals) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to surrounding regions where 31.7% fell within this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Nambour, with only 78.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Nambour displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Nambour, as per the latest Census evaluation, 66.5% of dwellings were houses while 33.6% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Nambour was 23.7%, indicating that a majority of dwellings were either mortgaged (36.7%) or rented (39.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,560, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,777 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Nambour was recorded at $340, which is less than both Non-Metro Qld's figure of $385 and the national average of $375.

Nambour features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.0% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Nambour aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 11.8% and certificates make up 31.6%.

Educational participation is high at 27.4%, including 10.0% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education. Nambour's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,860 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1011) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools, 2 K-12 schools, and 1 specialist school for specific learning needs. School places per 100 residents are 14.0, below the regional average of 19.7, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Nambour has 51 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 40 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,835 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 291 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 262 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Nambour is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Nambour faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~6,542 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 12.4% of residents, while arthritis affects 10.1%. About 60.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.0% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 18.3% (2,435 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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

Nambour, as per the data, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population composition was predominantly Australian citizens at 87.7%, with 82.0% born in Australia and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Nambour, accounting for 44.2% of its inhabitants.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 0.7% of Nambour's population compared to 0.5% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 31.8%, Australian at 27.2%, and Irish at 9.0%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: New Zealanders made up 1.0% of Nambour's population compared to the regional average, Germans were at 4.9% (vs 5.1%), and Dutch residents constituted 1.5% (vs 1.6%).

Nambour's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Nambour is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-olds make up 15.3% of the population, while the 65-74 group comprises 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds has increased from 13.1% to 15.3%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 974 people (48%), growing from 2,036 to 3,011. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 9%, adding 139 people.