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 May 2026, the estimated population of Nambour is around 13,452, reflecting a 10.8% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 12,145 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,195 in June 2025, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 348 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 1,239 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Nambour's growth rate of 10.8% surpassed both the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts where necessary. By 2041, aggregated SA2-level projections forecast a significant population increase of 3,543 persons in the suburb of Nambour, reflecting a total gain of 24.4% over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Nambour saw around 91 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, approximately 459 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved so far in FY2026. On average, about three people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes was around $409,000. This year, $23.7 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Nambour shows comparable development activity per person, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 69% standalone homes and 31% medium and high-density housing, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. With around 199 people per dwelling approval, Nambour shows characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Nambour is expected to grow by approximately 3,286 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that are expected to influence the area. Notable projects include the Nambour Place Revitalisation Project, the Nambour Waste Precinct Project, the Howard Street Mixed-Use Development, and The Grove Nambour Heights. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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

Nambour has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.1% in an unspecified past period, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 6,020 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 3.0% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was lower at 59.4%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, a low 9.2% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance employed 1.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 1.4% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

The area offered limited local employment opportunities, with fewer working residents than residents overall. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force decreased by 3.5%, as did employment, keeping the unemployment rate stable. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nambour's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Nambour had a median taxpayer income of $44,954 and an average income of $55,417 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Regional Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $50,061 (median) and $61,712 (average). Census 2021 data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Nambour all fall within the 15th to 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.4% of the community (4,089 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are 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, 66.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 33.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This differs from Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Nambour was $340, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. 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 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 Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are serviced by 50 individual routes, providing a total of 1,754 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 292 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 250 trips per day across all routes, equating 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~6,613 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 12.4% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 60.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,475 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Nambour's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.7% of its population being Australian citizens, 82.0% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Nambour, comprising 44.2% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 0.7% of Nambour's population compared to 0.8% across Regional Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (31.8%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (9.0%). There were notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.0% compared to 0.9% regionally, German at 4.9% compared to 4.7%, and Dutch at 1.5% compared to 1.1%.

Nambour's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nambour is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 15.1%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 9.2% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.1% to 15.1%, the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.5%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 12.7% to 11.3% and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.2% to 11.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Nambour's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 836 people (41%) from 2,031 to 2,868. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 4% (72 people).