Coolum Beach (Qld)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and address information confirmed by Districts post-Census, the suburb of Coolum Beach has an estimated population of approximately 10,348 as of May 2026. Since the 2021 Census, when 9,152 residents were recorded, this represents a growth of 1,196 people (13.1%). This estimate is calculated from a resident population of 10,272, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025), combined with 496 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Such population numbers represent a density of 378 persons per square kilometer, which indicates substantial space per resident and capacity for additional growth. The 13.1% rate of growth in the suburb of Coolum Beach since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the nation as a whole, positioning it as a regional growth leader. This expansion was mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 62.0% of the overall population rise in recent times, though interstate migration and natural growth also made positive contributions.

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The suburb of Coolum Beach is home to a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, based on aggregated statistical area statistics compiled by Districts. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 5,376, while the jobless rate was 1.1% lower than the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld. Workforce participation is closely aligned with the 64.3% rate of Regional Qld. Census data indicates a moderate 19.9% of the workforce operated from home, though this period was influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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Based on ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Coolum Beach align closely with the national average. The median taxpayer income is $46,909, and the average is $68,183, compared to Regional Qld averages of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be around $52,238 for the median and $75,929 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all ranked in the modest 41st to 42nd percentiles. The primary income group is the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, containing 31.9% of residents (3,301 people), which is very similar to the regional proportion of 31.7%. Housing costs place a heavy burden on residents, leaving only of income disposable, which ranks in the th percentile, while the SEIFA income index ranks the area in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, residential structures in the suburb of Coolum Beach consisted of 69.7% separate houses and 30.3% semi-detached, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to Regional Qld where houses made up 76.4% and other options accounted for 23.6%. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Coolum Beach were higher than the regional average at 35.3%, with remaining households holding a mortgage (34.9%) or renting (29.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 was significantly higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $450 compared to Regional Qld's $345. Locally, mortgage repayments exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are notably higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 70.2%, consisting of couples without children at 31.3%, couples with children at 26.8%, and single parents at 11.4%. The remaining 29.8% are non-family households, which include single-person households at 25.5% and group share houses at 4.3%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The local area presents a distinct educational profile compared to the region, with tertiary qualification rates at 26.7% of residents aged 15 and over, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and highlighting local attainment. Bachelor degrees are held by 18.4% of this cohort, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational and technical education is also prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificate qualifications at 27.4%.

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Public transport services in the suburb of Coolum Beach include 27 active stops operating a mix of buses. These stops are served by 3 routes, which provide 332 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 352 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential nature, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel for 91% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 cars per home. Additionally, 19.9% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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The suburb of Coolum Beach displays favorable health metrics based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and chronic illnesses, with low rates of common health issues across younger and older cohorts, alongside a high level of private health insurance coverage held by approximately 54% of the population (~5,610 people).

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The suburb of Coolum Beach has lower cultural diversity metrics compared to average figures, with 81.0% of the population born in Australia, 88.4% holding citizenship, and 94.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 43.7% of the community. The most notable statistical overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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With a median age of 45, the suburb of Coolum Beach has an older population profile than Regional Qld's median of 41 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds (13.2%), whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is relatively small (10.4%) compared to Regional Qld. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 9.4% to 10.8%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.8% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic models project notable shifts in the age profile, led by a 24% increase in the 25 to 34 age bracket, growing from to residents, while the to bracket is expected to decrease by people.

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Coolum Beach currently has an estimated 476 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 308 children aged 0-2 and 205 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 23% by 2041 (to approximately 586 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 919. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.