Tugun (Qld)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Tugun's population is estimated at around 7,606 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 431 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,175 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,549, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,445 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Tugun features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.1%, and 2.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,444 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (71.6% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Tugun had a median income among taxpayers of $50,462 with the average level standing at $68,555. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,194 (median) and $76,343 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Tugun cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 35.4% of the population (2,692 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen regional levels where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Tugun, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 46.4% houses and 53.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Tugun was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 29.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.8%) or rented (30.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Tugun's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 67.5% of all households, comprising 28.5% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 6.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.2% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (26.8%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Tugun comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 1,309 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 177 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 16.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Tugun demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~4,135 people).

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Tugun was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.6% of its population being citizens, 80.5% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Tugun was found to be Christianity, which makes up 44.2% of people in Tugun. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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The 38-year median age in Tugun is marginally below Regional Qld's average of 41 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 17.9% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the area has become younger, with median age dropping 1.1 years to 38 from 39. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.6% to 17.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.1% to 16.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . By Tugun is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The to age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by people () from to . Conversely, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Tugun currently has an estimated 517 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 270 children aged 0-2 and 181 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 22% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 23% by 2041 (to approximately 635 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 546. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.8 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.