Marcoola - Mudjimba

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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the resident population of Marcoola - Mudjimba stands at approximately 12,685 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 724 individuals (6.1%) relative to the 11,961 residents recorded during the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated utilizing the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 12,672 along with 87 validated new addresses identified since the census. The population density is calculated at 385 persons per square kilometer, which indicates substantial space per inhabitant and opportunities for future expansion. The post-census growth rate of 6.1% in Marcoola - Mudjimba is within 2.2 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (8.3%), indicating solid local growth dynamics. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this demographic expansion, accounting for roughly 77.7% of the total population increase in recent times.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations excluded from this dataset, or for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (based on 2021 data) are applied instead. Because these state-level projections lack detailed age splits, AreaSearch distributes growth across age cohorts using proportional weightings derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (based on 2022 data). Looking at long-term demographic shifts, the population is projected to grow at a rate slightly below the median for regional Australia, adding 674 residents by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, which represents a total increase of 5.2% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Marcoola - Mudjimba among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

An average of approximately 68 new residential building approvals has been recorded annually in Marcoola - Mudjimba, totaling 340 approved dwellings over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 16 approvals registered during FY-26 so far. With an average occupancy rate of 1.9 new residents per built dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, local housing supply and demand remain balanced, supporting stable market conditions, while the average construction value of new homes is $347,000, aligning with broader regional trends. Additionally, commercial building approvals reached $4.6 million during the current financial year, highlighting that the locality remains predominantly residential.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Marcoola - Mudjimba displays about 75% of the per capita construction volume, positioning it in the 78th percentile of evaluated regions nationwide, despite a recent acceleration in building activity. Residential construction is composed of 80.0% standalone houses and 20.0% medium and high-density options, maintaining a low-density character focused on detached properties that appeal to buyers seeking space. Notably, developers are building a higher ratio of traditional houses than the baseline mix recorded at the Census (62.0%), which points to sustained demand for single-family homes despite densification trends. The area exhibits low-density structural traits, with roughly 182 people per residential approval.

According to demographic forecasts, Marcoola - Mudjimba is projected to add 661 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly figures from AreaSearch. Under current construction trends, the supply of new housing is expected to easily accommodate this demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth that exceeds these baseline forecasts.

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

Local infrastructure projects, planning schemes, and major developments have a significant impact on regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include Stockland Twin Waters West, the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, David Low Way in Pacific Paradise, and the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme (North Shore Local Plan), with the key projects of greatest relevance detailed below.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Marcoola - Mudjimba has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

The workforce in Marcoola - Mudjimba is characterized by high skill levels, strong representation in essential services, and a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. In March 2026, the employed population numbered 6,226 residents, with an unemployment rate 0.3% lower than the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld, while labor force participation is lower at 59.2% compared to the regional figure of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a moderate 16.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 containment measures.

The local resident workforce is primarily engaged in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows a high concentration, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, the agriculture, forestry & fishing sector has low representation, employing 0.9% of workers compared to the regional average of 4.5%. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited within the area.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics indicates that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 2.2% and total employment fell by 2.9%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force expand by 0.3%, with the unemployment rate ticks up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 offer additional context on future demand patterns in Marcoola - Mudjimba. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate future trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these sectoral weightings to the local employment mix suggests employment within Marcoola - Mudjimba could grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes that excludes local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Marcoola - Mudjimba SA2 recorded a median income of $49,646 and an average income of $65,256. These figures sit slightly below national benchmarks, compared to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be roughly $55,286 for the median and $72,669 for the average in March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Marcoola - Mudjimba are modest, placing between the 36th and 39th percentiles. The largest income cohort comprises 32.6% of residents (4,135 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing costs place a heavy burden on residents, leaving only 82.5% of income available, which ranks in the 35th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 5th decile for income.

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

The housing stock in Marcoola - Mudjimba at the time of the latest Census consisted of 62.5% houses and 37.5% alternative dwelling types like semi-detached properties, townhouses, and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Marcoola - Mudjimba were higher than the regional average at 38.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Regional Qld average at $1,811, while the median weekly rent was $435, compared to regional averages of $1,655 and $345, respectively. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Marcoola - Mudjimba are below the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents are significantly higher than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 72.2%, consisting of couples with children at 23.0%, couples without children at 37.9%, and single parent households at 10.5%. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.8%, with single-person households at 23.6% and group households at 4.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment levels in Marcoola - Mudjimba are lower than regional benchmarks, with 23.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally. This difference highlights potential areas for educational expansion and skills growth. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.9%).

A significant portion of the population is enrolled in formal study, totaling 24.7%. This group includes 8.3% of the population in primary school, 7.0% in secondary school, and 4.3% attending tertiary institutions.

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

An assessment of public transit indicates there are 40 active transport stops in Marcoola - Mudjimba, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 2 distinct routes that generate a total of 426 passenger trips each week. Transit accessibility is favorable, with residents living an average of 399 meters from the closest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, a high proportion of workers commute out of the district, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of transport for 93% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. Additionally, 16.6% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 60 trips per day, which translates to roughly 10 weekly trips for each transit 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

Health outcomes for residents in Marcoola - Mudjimba are generally positive, with analysis from AreaSearch showing mortality rates and chronic health conditions that align with national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses remains low across both young and old cohorts, and the rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly below the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the population, representing about 6,583 individuals.

The most prevalent health conditions recorded in the region were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 10.0% and 7.9% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 66.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health indicators for the working-age population are typical. Residents aged 65 and over represent 28.1% of the local population (3,560 people), which is higher than the 20.4% share in Regional Qld. Health outcomes for seniors are above average, with national health rankings matching those of 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 has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to national averages, with citizens accounting for 87.4% of the population, 79.7% of residents born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 49.1% of the local community. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

Regarding parental ancestry, the three largest ethnic backgrounds in Marcoola - Mudjimba are English at 33.8%, Australian at 24.5%, and Irish at 9.5%. There are also notable differences in other groups, with Scottish ancestry overrepresented at 9.3% of the population (compared to 7.8% regionally), German ancestry at 5.1% (compared to 4.7%), and New Zealand ancestry at 1.0% (compared to 0.9%).

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

The median age in Marcoola - Mudjimba is 49 years, which is higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38 years. Demographic data shows that the 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 15.1%, while the 5 - 14 cohort is smaller at 9.6% compared to Regional Qld. The proportion of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 7.9% to 10.1% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group increased from 9.7% to 11.1%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.5% to 11.6%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.5% to 14.7%. By 2041, significant changes in age composition are expected, led by a 22% increase in the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow from 1,284 to 1,563 people. This aging trend is prominent, with individuals aged 65 and over accounting for 61% of projected growth, while population declines are anticipated in the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.