Cooran (Qld)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, combined with residential address points verified by Districts since the Census, indicates that the suburb of Cooran has an estimated population of 1,799 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 43 people (2.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 1,756 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident base of 1,794, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures, alongside 4 validated new addresses established post-Census. With these numbers, the suburb of Cooran has a density of 47 persons per square kilometer, ensuring plenty of space for each resident. Recent population expansion was driven mostly by individuals moving from other states, which made up roughly 72.0% of the total demographic gains, though all components including international migration and natural increase remained positive.

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Cooran has a qualified workforce with a solid representation of workers in essential services, alongside a 5.6% unemployment rate determined by Districts from aggregated regional metrics. In March 2026, there were 814 employed local residents, while the jobless rate was 1.7% higher than the 3.9% rate observed in Regional Qld, and workforce participation was significantly lower, standing at 58.1% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census records indicate that a moderate 15.0% of the working population operated from home, though the influence of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions should be kept in mind.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows that incomes in Cooran are below the national benchmark. The median income among local taxpayers is $40,861, and the average income is $55,554, which contrasts with Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 would be roughly $45,503 for the median and $61,865 for the average. Census records show that household, family, and individual incomes in Cooran all rank between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationwide. In terms of income brackets, 31.0% of the population (557 individuals) earn between $800 and $1,499, differing from metropolitan areas where the $1,500 - bracket is largest at . AFFORDABILITY issues are significant, with residents retaining only of their earnings, placing the area in the th percentile.

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The mix of residences in Cooran at the time of the latest Census consisted of 100.0% houses and none of other styles like semi-detached dwellings, townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, whereas Regional Qld recorded 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options. Home ownership rates in Cooran were much higher than the regional average, standing at 42.0%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (46.7%) or occupied by renters (11.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was $385, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national level, mortgage costs in Cooran are considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

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Family units make up the majority of households at 71.9%, which includes 27.5% couples raising children, 29.9% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent households. The remaining 28.1% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 24.4% and group living situations accounting for 4.4%. The median household occupancy of 2.5 residents matches the average for Regional Qld.

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Educational attainment levels in Cooran are lower than broader regional averages, with 23.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university qualification, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference highlights scope for future educational programs and skills acquisition. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 16.3%, followed by graduate diplomas at 3.9% and postgraduate qualifications at 3.3%. Technical and trade qualifications are common, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational certificates or diplomas, split between advanced diplomas at 15.0% and certificates at 30.5%.

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Analysis of local transit options indicates there are 2 public transport stops operating in Cooran, offering a combination of rail and bus connections. These stops are serviced by 11 distinct routes, which provide a total of 107 passenger journeys each week. Public transit access is classified as limited, with local dwellings situated an average of 748 meters from the nearest stop. Because the locality is mostly residential, the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars being the primary mode of transport at 96%. Households own an average of 1.7 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. Approximately 15.0% of local workers operated from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic health issues indicate that Cooran face notable health difficulties, with standard medical conditions common among both younger and older residents, and private medical insurance uptake being relatively low at approximately 49% of the population (~885 people). This rate is lower than the 52.5% recorded in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

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Cooran displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 86.3% of the population, 81.0% of residents born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 35.1% of the local population. However, the most distinct religious variance is Buddhism, which is practiced by 2.1% of the population compared to 1.1% in Regional Qld.

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The median age of 46 years in Cooran is higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national figure of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Cooran has a larger proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 (17.5%) but a smaller proportion aged 25 - 34 (8.8%). This concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.9% to 6.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 7.9% to 9.0%. In contrast, children aged 5 to 14 dropped from to , and the to group decreased from to . Significant demographic changes are anticipated by . The to age bracket is projected to expand by ( people), growing from to . Conversely, the to age bracket is expected to decrease by people.

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Cooran currently has an estimated 84 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 44 children aged 0-2 and 30 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 100 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 162. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.