Cobram

Cobram has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Cobram's population is 6,798 as of February 2026, an increase of 333 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 6,600, with an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 51 persons per square kilometer. Cobram's growth rate of 5.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.7%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 69.7% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Cobram is expected to grow exceptionally, placing it in the top 10 percent of national regional areas. By 2041, the area's population is projected to expand by 2,826 persons, reflecting a total increase of 38.7% over the 17-year period, according to the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Cobram averaged approximately 41 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25205 homes were approved, with an additional 30 approved so far in FY26. The average number of new residents per year arriving for each new home over these five years was around 0.7.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new homes was $346,000. In FY26, there have been $23.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Cobram shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 77th percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 151 people per dwelling approval, Cobram shows characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Cobram is forecasted to gain 2,628 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Cobram has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting this region. Key initiatives include Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park Precinct Plan, NCN Health Cobram Campus Redevelopment, Cobram Village, and VICSES Cobram Unit. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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While Cobram retains a healthy unemployment rate of 2.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Cobram's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%. As of September 2025, 2,830 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Cobram stands at 52.3%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census data, only 7.2% of residents work from home. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong in Cobram, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 11.3%, compared to the regional average of 16.8%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Cobram's labour force decreased by 10.6% while employment declined by 11.9%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Cobram's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Cobram SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $44,735 and an average income of $52,959. This is lower than the national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 in Rest of Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $48,426 (median) and $57,328 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Cobram fall between the 5th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.4% of individuals earn between $400 - 799, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

Cobram is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Cobram's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cobram stood at 45.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (28.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,278, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Cobram's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.3% of all households, including 19.8% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Cobram faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.3% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 27.2%. Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cobram has 19 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 8 routes providing a total of 64 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 299 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of travel at 92%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 9 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cobram is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cobram faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,147 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.3%). Conversely, 59.7% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data (2021), Cobram has 28.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,916 people), higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Cobram records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cobram's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 83.9% citizens, 82.2% born in Australia, and 86.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 57.4%. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 2.2%, higher than Rest of Vic's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, top groups are English (30.8%), Australian (26.3%), and Italian (9.0%), substantially higher than the regional average of 2.9%. Irish (8.7%) and Chinese (2.2%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 9.7% and 0.9%, respectively. Macedonian representation is lower at 0.1%, compared to 0.2% regionally.

Cobram hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Cobram's median age of 48 years is notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly exceeds the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 75-84 are particularly prevalent at 10.1%, while those aged 35-44 comprise a smaller proportion at 10.5% compared to Rest of Vic.. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.2% to 10.2% of Cobram's population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 15.4% to 14.2%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Cobram's age profile will undergo significant changes, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to expand substantially by 471 people (58%), growing from 806 to 1,278 individuals.