Cobram

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Cobram's population is around 6,798 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 333 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,465 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,600 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 51 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Cobram's 5.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 69.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national regional areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 2,826 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 38.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Cobram has averaged around 41 new dwelling approvals annually, with 205 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 30 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.7 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $346,000. There have also been $23.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Cobram shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 77th percentile of areas assessed 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.

Population forecasts indicate Cobram will gain 2,628 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park Precinct Plan, NCN Health Cobram Campus Redevelopment, Cobram Village, and VICSES Cobram Unit, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 2.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Cobram features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 2,863 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (52.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.3% versus the regional average of 16.8%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.1% while employment declined by 5.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cobram. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cobram's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Cobram SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $44,735 with the average level standing at $52,959. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,426 (median) and $57,328 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Cobram all fall between the 5th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 30.4% of the community (2,066 individuals), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. After housing, 85.9% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Cobram, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cobram was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 45.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (28.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,278, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Cobram's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 62.3% of all households, comprising 19.8% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.2%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (27.2%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 19 active transport stops operating within Cobram, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 64 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 299 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 7.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 9 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Cobram, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,147 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.7 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 59.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,916 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional 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 is roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.9% of its population being citizens, 82.2% born in Australia, and 86.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Cobram is Christianity, which makes up 57.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 2.2% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cobram are English, comprising 30.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.3% of the population, and Italian, comprising 9.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is represented at 8.7% of Cobram (vs 9.7% regionally), Chinese at 2.2% (vs 0.9%) and Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.2%).

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

Cobram's median age of 48 years stands materially older than Regional Vic.'s 43 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (10.1%), while the 35 - 44 group is comparatively smaller (10.5%) than in Regional Vic.. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.2% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 14.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Cobram's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 471 people (58%) from 806 to 1,278.