Nambour (Qld)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates and addresses verified by Districts indicates that the suburb of Nambour has a population of approximately 13,452 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,307 residents (10.8%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 12,145 people. The figure is calculated from a resident population of 13,195, calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP data release, combined with an additional 348 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level represents a density of 1,239 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio for locations evaluated nationally by Districts. The 10.8% expansion in the suburb of Nambour since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national benchmark, establishing the area as a regional growth leader. This expansion was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 62.0% of the overall population gains, though all factors, including overseas migration and natural growth, remained positive.

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The local workforce is evenly divided between professional and manual roles, with a strong representation in essential services. According to Districts data compiled for the region, the unemployment rate stands at 7.4%. In March 2026, 6,013 residents were employed. The unemployment rate is 3.5% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, highlighting potential for economic development, while the participation rate is lower than the regional average, sitting at 59.6% compared to 64.3% for Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a modest 9.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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Postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year shows Nambour has a median taxpayer income of $44,954 and an average of $55,417. These figures sit below the national benchmarks, and compare to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusting for an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $50,061 for the median and $61,712 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the area fell between the 15th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 30.4% of the population (4,089 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns with the broader regional pattern where of taxpayers fall into this bracket. Housing costs present a major challenge, leaving residents with only of their income after housing expenses, placing the area in the th percentile for affordability.

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At the time of the most recent Census, the housing stock in Nambour consisted of 66.5% freestanding houses and 33.6% alternative housing types, such as semi-detached properties and apartments. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwelling types. The home ownership rate of 23.7% was lower than the average for Regional Qld, with the remaining homes either mortgaged (36.7%) or occupied by tenants (39.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,560, and the median weekly rent was $340, compared to regional averages of $1,655 and $345. Locally, mortgage costs are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 63.0% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 23.4%, couples without children at 22.7%, and single parent households at 15.9%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.0% of homes, consisting of lone person households at 32.8% and group households at 4.1%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational outcomes in the area show that 16.6% of residents hold a university qualification, which is below the national rate of 30.4%. Among these higher education graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 43.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificate level training at 31.6%.

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Public transport infrastructure consists of 51 active stops throughout Nambour, providing a combination of rail and bus services. These stops support 50 separate routes, which run a combined 1,754 passenger trips each week. Transport connectivity is good, with residents living an average of 292 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute to outer areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel for 92% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 cars per home, which is below the regional average. A low 9.2% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census data, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Health assessments by Districts, tracking mortality rates and chronic illnesses, reveal notable health issues affecting residents across various age brackets. The rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 49% of the population, or about 6,613 residents. This is lower than the 52.5% recorded across Regional Qld and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Indicators of cultural diversity are lower than average, with citizens making up 87.7% of the population, 82.0% of residents born in Australia, and 93.8% of households speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 44.2% of the local population. The most visible statistical difference is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.8% in Regional Qld.

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The median age of Nambour residents is 39 years, which is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 years but close to the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 25 to 34 represent a significant segment of the population at 15.1%, while those aged 65 to 74 form a smaller share at 9.2% compared to the regional average. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has risen from 13.1% to 15.1% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort has grown from 11.3% to 12.5%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.7% to 11.3%, and the to group decreased from to . Demographic projections for point to shifts in the age structure, with the to cohort expected to grow by people (), rising from to while the to cohort is projected to see a minor increase of , adding residents.

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Nambour currently has an estimated 847 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 490 children aged 0-2 and 326 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 20% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 34% by 2041 (to approximately 1,136 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,260. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.