Marcoola - Mudjimba

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

Marcoola - Mudjimba's population is 12,685 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 724 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,961. The change is inferred from ABS data: estimated resident population was 12,672 in June 2025 and there were 87 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 385 persons per square kilometer. Since the Census, Marcoola - Mudjimba's growth rate is 6.1%, close to the SA3 area's rate of 8.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 77.7% of overall population gains.

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 are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase similar to Australia's regional areas, with the area expected to gain 674 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 5.2% over 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Marcoola - Mudjimba averaged approximately 68 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25340 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. Each year, about 1.6 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed during this period.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new homes was around $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.

Comparatively, Marcoola - Mudjimba exhibits approximately 75% of the construction activity per person when compared to the rest of Queensland. Nationally, it ranks among the 78th percentile of areas assessed. However, building activity has increased notably in recent years. The new development composition is 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low density character. This emphasis on detached housing caters to space-seeking buyers. With around 180 people per dwelling approval, Marcoola - Mudjimba exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 661 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Marcoola - Mudjimba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects include Stockland Twin Waters West, Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, David Low Way upgrade in Pacific Paradise, and the 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Marcoola - Mudjimba has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Marcoola - Mudjimba has a skilled workforce with 6,213 residents employed as of December 2025. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is 0.6% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in the area is 58.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%.

A moderate 16.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2% and employment declined by 3.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points.

National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years for Marcoola - Mudjimba, based on its current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Marcoola - Mudjimba SA2's median income among taxpayers was $49,646, with an average of $65,256. This is below the national average. Regional Qld had a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. As of March 2026, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $55,286 and average $72,669, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. The 2021 Census ranked Marcoola - Mudjimba's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 36th and 39th percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 32.6% of locals (4,135 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

The 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 compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marcoola-Mudjimba was at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,811, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $435, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Marcoola-Mudjimba's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 72.2% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 37.9% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Marcoola-Mudjimba region has 23.7% of residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common (16.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 28.9%.

Currently, 24.7% of the population is engaged in formal education: 8.3% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that combined provide 426 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 399 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outside of it, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Marcoola - Mudjimba's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Marcoola - Mudjimba residents have relatively positive health outcomes according to health data.

AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results mostly in line with national benchmarks, with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is slightly lower than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,583 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (7.9%), while 66.3% of residents report having no medical ailments compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age population health outcomes are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.1% (3,560 people) than the regional average of 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings for the general population.

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's population showed below-average cultural diversity, with 87.4% being citizens, 79.7% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.1%. Judaism, while still a small fraction (0.1%), was similarly represented compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (33.8%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.3% compared to the regional average of 7.8%, as was German ancestry at 5.1% versus 4.7%. New Zealand ancestry was also slightly higher at 1.0% versus 0.9%.

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

Marcoola - Mudjimba's median age is 49 years, significantly higher than Regional Qld's average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 15.1%, while those aged 5-14 are relatively smaller at 9.6%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 10.1%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.5% to 14.7%. By 2041, Marcoola - Mudjimba is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 1,563 people from 1,284. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 61% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 45-54 and 5-14 years old.