Coolamon (NSW)

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Based on computations of ABS population releases for the broader zone, and brand-new address points verified by Districts since the Census, the resident population of Coolamon is projected to be approximately 2,897 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 622 residents (27.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 2,275 individuals. This trend is calculated from the local population of 2,857, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and incorporating 60 verified new residential addresses since the Census. This population translates to a density of 9.7 persons per square kilometer, which represents a spacious distribution. The 27.3% growth rate of Coolamon since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (2.2%) and the SA3 zone, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Local population gains were mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 56% of the overall expansion, though all other growth components including interstate and overseas migration remained positive contributors.

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Coolamon possesses a qualified labor force with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and an estimated job growth of 1.1% over the prior year, based on Districts aggregations of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, 1,379 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.9% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, while labor force participation matches the Regional NSW level of 60.6%. Census data reveals that a modest 11.2% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic lockdowns.

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According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Coolamon are lower than the national average. The median income for local taxpayers is $45,748 and the average income is $53,806, compared to Regional NSW statistics of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $50,469 (median) and $59,359 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes all rank modestly in Coolamon, placing between the 30th and 38th percentiles. The primary income group is the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, accounting for 30.5% of residents (883 people), which closely aligns with the broader regional average of in this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain of their income for other living expenses.

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Residential dwelling types in Coolamon at the time of the latest Census consisted of 96.4% standalone houses and 3.7% other housing formats (including semi-detached properties and apartments), compared to Regional NSW where houses accounted for 82.6% and other formats represented 17.4%. Home ownership levels in Coolamon stood at 40.2%, matching the Regional NSW rate, while mortgaged properties accounted for 41.1% and rented dwellings comprised 18.7%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,500, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $270 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage costs in Coolamon are well below the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels are significantly under the national benchmark of $375.

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Family units constitute the majority of local households at 73.5%, consisting of couples with children at 28.6%, couples without children at 32.6%, and single-parent households at 11.1%. Non-family living arrangements represent 26.5%, with single-person households making up 25.0% and shared group households representing 1.9% of the total. The median household size stands at 2.5 people, exceeding the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment profiles indicate room for development, with university graduation rates at 18.4%, which is lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This discrepancy highlights an opportunity for targeted academic programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary credential at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational and technical qualifications are highly common, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificate-level qualifications at 28.8%.

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Public transport networks include 126 active stops within Coolamon, utilizing a combination of rail and bus options. These stops are served by 15 separate routes, providing a combined 192 weekly services. Transport access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 145 meters from their closest stop. Due to the residential profile of the area, most workers commute out of the district, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 94% and walking accounting for 5%. Dwellings average 1.7 vehicles, exceeding the regional average. A low proportion of the workforce, 11.2%, worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related working conditions.

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Health indicators point to challenges in Coolamon, based on Districts assessments of mortality indices and the occurrence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older cohorts, alongside a low rate of private health insurance coverage at approximately 48% of the population (about 1,398 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Coolamon exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity, with 95.1% of residents born in Australia, 93.9% holding citizenship, and 98.5% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 68.0% of the population, which exceeds the Regional NSW average of 55.9%.

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The median age of the population is 43, matching the Regional NSW median of 43 and tracking higher than the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of children aged 5 - 14 years (14.5%), while the cohort aged 15 - 24 years is smaller (9.1%) than the Regional NSW average. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 years rose from 11.3% to 12.4%, whereas the group aged 15 to 24 years decreased from 11.5% to 9.1%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic models point to major changes in the age profile, led by the 75 to 84 cohort, which is projected to expand by (representing people) to reach compared to the baseline of .

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Coolamon currently has an estimated 156 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 126 children aged 0-2 and 84 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 21% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 31% by 2041 (to approximately 205 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 340. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.