Nambour

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

The population of the Nambour statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 13,465 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,320 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,145 people in Nambour. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,254 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 342 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,241 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Nambour's growth rate of 10.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside of capital cities is forecast. The Nambour (SA2) area is expected to increase by 3,890 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Nambour has seen approximately 92 new homes approved annually, with around 460 homes approved from FY-21 to FY-25 inclusive, and 30 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3.2 new residents per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $409,000.

In terms of commercial development, around $23.7 million worth of approvals have been registered this year alone. Nambour's development activity is comparable to the rest of Queensland on a per capita basis, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas despite recent slowing in building activity. Recent construction comprises 69% standalone homes and 31% medium and high-density housing, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets.

Nambour has around 196 people per dwelling approval, suggesting characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Nambour is projected to grow by approximately 3,591 residents by the year 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although heightened buyer competition may be experienced as the population increases.

Nambour 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 15 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are 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.

The labour market performance in Nambour lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Nambour has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 6.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 6,205 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Nambour is lower at 56.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance employs 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.4% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 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 in September 2025, Nambour's labour force decreased by 2.6% and employment decreased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nambour's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Nambour has a median taxpayer income of $44,954 and an average income of $55,417 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, with Rest of Qld's median income being $53,146 and average income $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,409 (median) and $60,909 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Nambour all fall between the 15th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.4% of Nambour's community earns between $1,500 - 2,999 (4,093 individuals), similar to the broader area where 31.7% falls within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Nambour, with only 78.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

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% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nambour stood at 23.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.7% and rented ones at 39.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,777. The median weekly rent figure in Nambour was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $385. Nationally, Nambour's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 31.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.4% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.0% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

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. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 50 different routes operating in total.

Together, these provide 1,754 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good. Residents typically live 292 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 250 trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual 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% (~6,619 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.4 and 10.1% of residents respectively. Around 60.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.0% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 18.3% (2,464 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors facing health challenges broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Nambour had a cultural diversity level below average, with 87.7% citizens, 82.0% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 44.2%. The 'Other' category showed an overrepresentation compared to rest of Queensland, at 0.7% versus 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (9.0%). Notable divergences included New Zealand (1.0% vs 1.0%), German (4.9% vs 5.1%), and Dutch (1.5% vs 1.6%).

Nambour's population is slightly older than 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 the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 15.3%, while those aged 65-74 are smaller at 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.1% to 15.3%, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 11.0%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 951 people (46%) from 2,060 to 3,012. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 7% (119 people).