Caloundra Hinterland

Caloundra Hinterland has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Caloundra Hinterland's population is around 9,365 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 255 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,110 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,304 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 234 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 20 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 64.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated. The area is expected to expand by 69 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Caloundra Hinterland when compared nationally

Caloundra Hinterland granted approval for approximately 53 residential properties each year over the past five financial years, totalling 265 homes. In FY-26 so far, 34 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 0.8 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value of new properties was $570,000, indicating a focus on premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $8.7 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Caloundra Hinterland shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 61.0% below the regional average per person. New building activity comprises 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density character. The location has approximately 142 people per dwelling approval.

Future projections estimate an increase of 8 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting new housing supply should meet demand.

Caloundra Hinterland has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Landsborough-Maleny Road and Maleny-Montville Road Intersection Upgrade, Maleny Grove Expansion, Coral Residences Maleny, and Maleny Meadows Estate. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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While Caloundra Hinterland retains a healthy unemployment rate of 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Caloundra Hinterland had an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of September 2025, with 3,968 residents employed. The unemployment rate was 0.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, but workforce participation lagged at 50.7%. According to Census responses, 27.0% of residents worked from home.

Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction sectors. The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, but mining representation was lower at 1.5%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9% while employment declined by 1.9%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. By comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Caloundra Hinterland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Caloundra Hinterland SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $40,405 with an average level of $61,188. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $44,409 (median) and $67,252 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes in Caloundra Hinterland fall between the 15th and 17th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 27.7% of locals (2,594 people) with incomes between $800 - 1,499 per week, differing from patterns across the region where incomes between $1,500 - 2,999 dominate with 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.6% of income remains, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Caloundra Hinterland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Caloundra Hinterland's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caloundra Hinterland stood at 56.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented ones at 16.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, surpassing Non-Metro Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Caloundra Hinterland was $370, higher than Non-Metro Queensland's figure of $345. Nationally, Caloundra Hinterland's mortgage repayments were lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Caloundra Hinterland has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 71.5% of all households, including 19.8% couples with children, 40.9% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Caloundra Hinterland exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Caloundra Hinterland's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (32.0%) compared to the broader Queensland average (20.6%) and the SA3 area average (23.1%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.2% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (22.8%). Furthermore, 23.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 7.6% each in primary and secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 23.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The transport analysis indicates 13 active stops operating within Caloundra Hinterland, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two routes, collectively facilitating 145 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically situated 2757 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees outward commuting as the norm. Cars remain the primary mode at 90%, with 6% walking. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

Notably, 27.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 20 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Caloundra Hinterland's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Caloundra Hinterland residents show positive health outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are standard across age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, lower than Queensland's 52.5% and Australia's 55.7%.

Key medical conditions include arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (8.3%), while 61.3% report no ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents show higher chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65+ at 34.9%, compared to Queensland's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank favourably nationally.

Caloundra Hinterland ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Caloundra Hinterland had a lower cultural diversity, with 78.3% born in Australia, 88.2% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home as of 2016 Census data. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.3%. The 'Other' category showed slight overrepresentation at 0.9%, compared to 0.8% in Rest of Qld.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (11.1%). Notable divergences existed for Scottish (10.2% vs regional 7.8%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.5%), and German (5.4% vs 4.7%) ethnicities.

Caloundra Hinterland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Caloundra Hinterland is 56 years, significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 and also considerably older than Australia's norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 18.8% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 5.9%. This 65-74 concentration is well above Australia's national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.2% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.1%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 20.3% to 18.8%. By 2041, Caloundra Hinterland is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 234 people (65%) from 361 to 596. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.