Caloundra Hinterland
Statistical Area - sa2

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, according to AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 9,370 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 260 individuals (a rise of 2.9%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,110 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,306 reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in June 2024 and an additional 220 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 20 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. The primary driver behind this area's population growth was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 64.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. Based on the latest population numbers, this area is projected to expand by approximately 69 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Caloundra Hinterland has recorded approximately 56 residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 284 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, and an additional 11 so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, there are approximately 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. This supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections.

New homes are being built at an average value of $720,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In the current financial year, $8.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. When compared to the rest of Queensland, Caloundra Hinterland shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 64.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New building activity consists of approximately 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 142 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show Caloundra Hinterland adding three residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Caloundra Hinterland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include the Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital Upgrade, Maleny Meadows Estate development, Landsborough-Maleny Road and Maleny-Montville Road intersection upgrade, and Maleny Grove Expansion. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

While Caloundra Hinterland retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Caloundra Hinterland has an educated workforce with key services sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.5%.

In this month, 4,106 residents are employed while the area's unemployment rate is 0.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Caloundra Hinterland lags behind Rest of Qld at 46.5% compared to 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction sectors. The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining has lower representation at 1.5%, versus the regional average of 3.6%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2% while employment declined by 0.7%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. By comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising 0.2%. As of Sep-25, state-level data shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, but lags behind national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May 2025 forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Caloundra Hinterland's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Caloundra Hinterland was $38,255 and average income was $57,720 in financial year 2022. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,780 for Rest of Qld. By March 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.71%, median income is estimated at $42,735 and average at $64,479. Census data from 2021 shows Caloundra Hinterland's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 16th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Caloundra Hinterland is dominated by a cohort earning $800-$1,499 (27.7%), compared to $1,500-$2,999 across Qld (31.7%). After housing expenses, 86.6% of income remains, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally. Caloundra Hinterland'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 structures, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 93.3% houses and 6.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This distribution was similar to Non-Metro Qld's 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. In terms of home ownership, Caloundra Hinterland had a higher rate at 56.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (16.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Caloundra Hinterland's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian 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 constitute 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 comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

Caloundra Hinterland's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 years or older, 32.0% have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 23.1% in the SA3 area. University graduates make up 20.6%, postgraduate qualifications are held by 7.4%, and graduate diplomas by 4.0%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15 years or older holding them - advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 22.8%.

A substantial 23.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education: 7.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education. The area's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,256 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1034) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced between three primary and two secondary schools catering to distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 13.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.6, indicating that Caloundra Hinterland serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 13 operational transport stops within Caloundra Hinterland, offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by two distinct routes, facilitating 145 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents positioned on average 2757 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at approximately 20 trips daily across all routes, translating to around 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Caloundra Hinterland is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Caloundra Hinterland faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering about 4,581 people, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.3%). However, 61.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 35.1% or 3,284 people, than the state average of 20.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming general population metrics.

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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 78.3% born in Australia, 88.2% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 41.3%. Buddhism was overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to 1.4% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (11.1%). Scottish (10.2%) and French (0.8%) were notably overrepresented, while Welsh was slightly higher at 0.8%.

Caloundra Hinterland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Caloundra Hinterland is 56 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented at 19.1% locally, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 5.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 11.0% to 12.2%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 7.2% to 8.3%. Conversely, the cohort aged 45 to 54 has declined from 12.8% to 11.5% and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 20.3% to 19.1%. By 2041, Caloundra Hinterland is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The cohort aged 85+ is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 249 people (72%) from 346 to 596. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 72% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both cohorts aged 45-54 and 5-14 are expected to see reduced numbers.