Coolangatta, Queensland


Coolangatta is a major-city area in Queensland.

According to the December 2022 population estimates, the population of Coolangatta is 59,004 residents. Since 2012, the population increased by 11 percent. For comparison, the overall population of Australia increased by 14 percent during the same period.

This community profile presents an analysis of the Coolangatta region and its communities. For our analysis, the larger Coolangatta region consists of 5 of SA2 communities within: Coolangatta, Currumbin - Tugun, Currumbin Waters, Elanora, Palm Beach.


*Note: Hover over the regions for labels.

Key characteristics of Coolangatta

  • In Coolangatta, one interesting thing about the demographics is that there is a higher percentage of senior residents (65 and older) compared to the overall population of Australia.
  • In Coolangatta, the percentage of households facing poverty is lower compared to both Queensland and the overall average for Australia.
  • In Coolangatta, the proportion of individuals renting from public and community housing providers is lower compared to both Queensland and the overall average for Australia.
  • In Coolangatta, another noteworthy aspect of the demographics is that the percentage of residents who were born outside of Australia is lower compared to the overall average for the country.

  • Click on the tab menu to select options


    Loading chart...

  • Click on the tab menu to select options


    Loading chart...
  • Loading chart...
  • Loading chart...

The differences in Coolangatta communities

  • Coolangatta stands out for its large population of senior residents (65 and older). Within Coolangatta, the highest concentration of seniors is found in Coolangatta itself, while Palm Beach has the lowest proportion.
  • Now, let's examine the poverty rates among households in the different communities of Coolangatta. Coolangatta itself has the highest proportion of households experiencing poverty, while Currumbin - Tugun has the lowest. Similarly, Coolangatta has the highest proportion of households with incomes less than 25 percent of the median, while Palm Beach has the lowest.
  • Among the communities in Coolangatta, Coolangatta itself has the highest percentage of foreign-born residents, while Currumbin Waters has the lowest.
  • In terms of individuals renting from public and community housing providers, Currumbin Waters has the highest proportion, while Currumbin - Tugun has the lowest.

  • Click on the tab menu to select options


    Loading chart...

  • Click on the tab menu to select options


    Loading chart...
  • Loading chart...
  • Loading chart...

How has Coolangatta changed?

  • Over the period from 2006 to 2021, there was a moderate increase in the proportion of senior residents (65 and older).
  • From 2006 to 2021, there was a significant increase in the proportion of households with incomes less than 25% of the median. During the same period, there was a notable decrease in the proportion of households with incomes between 25% and 50% of the median. However, the proportion of households with incomes between 50% and 60% of the median experienced a substantial increase.
  • From 2006 to 2021, there was a significant increase in the proportion of residents who were born outside of the country.
  • Between 2006 and 2021, there was a moderate decrease in the proportion of individuals renting from social housing providers.

  • Click on the tab menu to select options


    Loading chart...

  • Click on the tab menu to select options


    Loading chart...
  • Loading chart...
  • Loading chart...

© 2023, Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, The University of Melbourne. Interactive visualisations developed by Melbourne Institute Data & Analytics.