Marcoola - Mudjimba
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Marcoola - Mudjimba are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Marcoola-Mudjimba's population was 12,605 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This showed an increase of 644 people, a 5.4% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 11,961. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 12,553 in June 2024 and 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 383 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.6% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below Australia's regional areas median by 2041, with the area expected to gain 796 persons, a total increase of 5.9%.

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 from FY-21 to FY-25. A total of 340 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, on average, 1.6 new residents have been added per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value of new homes is $347,000. In FY-26, there have been $4.6 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Marcoola - Mudjimba shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 78th percentile nationally.

New development consists of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium and high-density housing. With approximately 180 people per dwelling approval, Marcoola - Mudjimba exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 744 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Marcoola - Mudjimba has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 58 such projects that could potentially affect the area. Notable among these are the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, Stockland Twin Waters West, David Low Way improvements at Pacific Paradise, and the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme (North Shore Local Plan). The following list outlines those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment performance in Marcoola - Mudjimba exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Marcoola - Mudjimba has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.7% as of June 2025. There are 6,463 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Marcoola - Mudjimba 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. Construction shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 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 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, and employment declined by 1.3%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting local growth in Marcoola - Mudjimba of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Marcoola - Mudjimba's median income among taxpayers was $47,211, with an average of $62,811. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld had a median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $53,816 (median) and $71,598 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Marcoola - Mudjimba, between the 36th and 39th percentiles. The predominant earnings cohort spans 32.6% of locals, with 4,109 people earning $1,500 - 2,999. This is similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining, 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 evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 62.5% houses and 37.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Marcoola-Mudjimba stood at 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented dwellings at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,811, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820 recorded in the same year. The median weekly rent figure was $435, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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

Educational qualifications in Marcoola-Mudjimba trail regional benchmarks as of 2021 show that 23.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.9%). As of 2021, 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 8.3% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

Pacific Paradise State School provides local educational services within Marcoola-Mudjimba, with an enrollment of 471 students as of 2021. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1021, indicating typical Australian school conditions and balanced educational opportunities. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. As of 2021, there are limited local school capacity (3.7 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 9.7), leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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 buses. These are covered by two routes offering a total of 481 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 399 meters from the nearest stop.

All routes combined run approximately 68 trips daily, equating to around 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.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~6,441 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (7.9%). A majority, 66.3%, report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.2% across Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.5% (3,461 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 24.4%. 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 had below average cultural diversity, with 87.4% citizens, 79.7% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 49.1%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.8%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (9.5%). Scottish (9.3%) and German (5.1%) were notably overrepresented, while New Zealand was equally represented at 1.0%.

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

Marcoola-Mudjimba's median age is 49 years, significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.3% of the population, compared to 9.3% in Queensland and 9.4% nationally. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is smaller at 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.4%, while the 25-34 cohort has risen from 9.7% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.9%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 16.5% to 15.2%. By 2041, Marcoola-Mudjimba's population is expected to shift significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 27% (320 people), reaching 1,504 from 1,183. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 59% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups.