Marcoola - Mudjimba

Population growth drivers in Marcoola - Mudjimba are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Marcoola-Mudjimba's population was 12,605 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 644 people from the 2021 Census figure of 11,961. The rise is inferred from ABS data: estimated resident population of 12,553 in June 2024 and 76 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 383 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 92.6% of recent population growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. Age category splits are applied proportionally using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population trends suggest a median increase for Australia's regional areas by 2041, with the area expected to gain 796 persons, reflecting a total growth of 5.9% over 17 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Marcoola - Mudjimba among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Marcoola - Mudjimba has averaged approximately 68 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25340 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, around 1.6 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed during these years.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new homes is $347,000, aligning with regional patterns. In the current financial year, there have been $4.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Marcoola - Mudjimba shows roughly 75% of the construction activity per person, and it ranks among the 78th percentile nationally, although building activity has increased recently. New developments consist of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density character with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (62.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 180 people per dwelling approval, Marcoola - Mudjimba exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts estimate that Marcoola - Mudjimba will gain approximately 744 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand effectively, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Marcoola - Mudjimba has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 58 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, Stockland Twin Waters West, David Low Way, Pacific Paradise, and New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme (North Shore Local Plan). The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Marcoola - Mudjimba has been broadly consistent with national averages

Marcoola - Mudjimba has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

As of September 2025, there are 6,302 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 55.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7%, while employment declined by 2.3%, resulting in a fall of 0.5 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marcoola - Mudjimba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Marcoola - Mudjimba SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,211 and an average of $62,811. This is slightly below the national average. The Rest of Qld's median was $50,780 with an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,816 (median) and $71,598 (average). The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Marcoola - Mudjimba modestly, between the 36th and 39th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 4,109 people, or 32.6% of locals, fall within the $1,500-$2,999 income category. This is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 35th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Marcoola - Mudjimba displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Marcoola-Mudjimba, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.5% houses and 37.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marcoola-Mudjimba stood at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,811, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in the area was $435, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Marcoola-Mudjimba's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $375.

Marcoola - Mudjimba features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.2 percent of all households, including 23.0 percent couples with children, 37.9 percent couples without children, and 10.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.8 percent, with lone person households at 23.6 percent and group households comprising 4.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

Educational attainment in Marcoola - Mudjimba aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Marcoola-Mudjimba trail region has 23.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 28.9%. A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in education, with 24.7% pursuing formal learning.

This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

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

Marcoola-Mudjimba has 40 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by two routes offering a total of 481 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 399 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 68 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Marcoola - Mudjimba is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Marcoola-Mudjimba faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~6,441 people), slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (impacting 10.0% of residents) and mental health issues (7.9%). 66.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.2% across Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 27.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,461 people), higher than the 24.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Marcoola-Mudjimba, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 87.4% Australian-born citizens, 79.7% born locally, and 94.7% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion (49.1%), with Judaism slightly overrepresented (0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally). Top ancestral groups were English (33.8%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notable divergences included Scottish (9.3%, vs 9.1% regionally), German (5.1%, vs 4.8%), and New Zealand (1.0%, vs 1.0%).

Marcoola - Mudjimba hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Marcoola - Mudjimba has a median age of 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 15.3% of the population, while those aged 5-14 comprise only 9.3%. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 7.9% to 9.4%, while those aged 25 to 34 have risen from 9.7% to 11.2%. Conversely, the proportion of people aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.5% to 11.9%, and those aged 55 to 64 have dropped from 16.5% to 15.2%. By 2041, Marcoola - Mudjimba's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of people aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,504 from 1,183. This growth will be largely driven by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are expected for those aged 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 years old.