Copacabana
Copacabana is a small beachside suburb on the NSW Central Coast, about 46 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, with a village feel and a friendly community. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and Bouddi National Park, and is known for its beach, natural beauty and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Although quiet, Copacabana has a handful of local shops, including a café and the much-loved Burnt Honey Bakery. Neighbouring Avoca Beach and Kincumber offer more amenities, including a large Coles and shopping centre. It's a tranquil suburb with a strong sense of community, popular with permanent residents and holiday-makers who value the scenic setting.
At a glance
- Population: 2,891
- Area size: 2.00 km²
- Median weekly household income: $2,390
- Median monthly mortgage repayments: $2,711
Living on the Central Coast
What it's like to live in Copacabana
Copacabana is home to 2,809 people across 2.00 square kilometres. The population has grown steadily since 2006, from 2,672 to 2,809 at the 2021 Census, in a suburb of 1,439 dwellings and an average of 2.8 people per household.
Copacabana Population & Household Growth Over Time
| 2001 | 2006 | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,742 | 2,672 | 2,690 | 2,735 | 2,809 |
| Median weekly household income | No data | $1,172 | $1,488 | $1,837 | $2,143 |
| Medial Monthly Mortgage Repayments | No Data | $1,500 | $1,924 | $2,167 | $2,300 |
| Percentage of Owner Occupier | 69% | 71% | 72% | 74% | 76% |
| Percentage of Renter | 31% | 29% | 28% | 26% | 24% |
| Total Dwellings | 1,355 | 1,372 | 1,442 | 1,422 | 1,439 |
| Average People per Household | No Data | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 |
Owner-occupiers make up 76% of households and renters 24%, with home ownership rising at every Census since 2006. The leading occupations are Professionals (29%), Managers (16%) and Technicians and Trades Workers (14%), and the top employing industries are Hospitals, Secondary Education and Other Social Assistance Services.
Housing options for owner-occupiers
Over 90% of properties in Copacabana are free-standing homes (94.1%), with a small number of townhouses and apartments making up the rest. Most homes are occupied by their owners, and with close to three people per household on average, the suburb has a distinctly family feel.
Current property snapshot (October 2026)
| Metric | Houses |
|---|---|
| Median Price | $1,740,000 |
| Median rent (per week) | $850 |
| Typical time to sell | ~35 days |
| Gross rental yield | 2.54% |
How Prices Have Moved Over Time (Houses)
| Period | Change |
|---|---|
| 3 Months | 7.54% ($122,000) |
| 12 Months | 3.26% ($55,000) |
| 3 Years | -0.57% (-$10,000) |
| 5 Years | 7.08% ($115,000) |
| 5-year average annual growth | 1.38% |
| 10-year average annual growth | 7.27% |
| 20-year average annual growth | 5.73% |
| 30-year average annual growth | 7.93% |
Renting in Copacabana
Median rent for a house in Copacabana is $850 a week, unchanged over the past quarter but up 6.25% over the year and 13.33% over three years. Units rent for $600 a week, up 1.69% over the year. The vacancy rate is 1.13%, well under the 3% generally considered a healthy balance between tenants and owners, so well-priced rentals tend to go quickly.
Copacabana Schools and childcare
For primary school, Copacabana is zoned for Copacabana Public School, and for high school, Kincumber High School. Copacabana is also close to a number of private schools, including Green Point Christian College (K-12), Central Coast Grammar School (K-12), Central Coast Adventist School (K-12) and Holy Cross Catholic School Kincumber (K-6), with more primary and high school options further out towards Gosford.
For before and after school care, Avoca Before & After School Care is on Pueblo Street.
Health and everyday amenities
Day-to-day needs are met by Copacabana's local café and bakery, with the larger shopping and services of Avoca Beach and Kincumber a short drive away.
Getting around
Copacabana is a 20 minute drive from Gosford train station or 25 minutes from Woy Woy train station. The M1 motorway, linking to Sydney or Newcastle, is around 30 minutes away.
Our local favourite
Copacabana is home to two of our favourite Central Coast playgrounds, Shaun Brinklow Park and Susan Fahey Park. You can see the full list in our guide to the top Central Coast playgrounds.
Thinking about calling Copacabana home? Let Sharp Property Buyers, your trusted Central Coast Buyers Agent, guide you to the right property. Contact us today and we'll help you find your place in this beachside community.
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