Marcoola - Mudjimba

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Marcoola - Mudjimba's population is around 12,638 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 677 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,961 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,553 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 384 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Marcoola - Mudjimba's 5.7% growth since the census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 92.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 796 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 5.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Marcoola - Mudjimba has averaged around 68 new dwelling approvals annually, with 340 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $347,000, consistent with regional patterns. There have also been $4.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to the rest of Qld, Marcoola - Mudjimba shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 78th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building 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 shows characteristics of a low-density area.

Population forecasts indicate Marcoola - Mudjimba will gain 711 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 60 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, Stockland Twin Waters West, David Low Way, Pacific Paradise, and the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme (North Shore Local Plan), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 3.4%, Marcoola - Mudjimba has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Marcoola - Mudjimba features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.4%. As of December 2025, 6,213 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2% while employment declined by 3.3%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Marcoola - Mudjimba. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Marcoola - Mudjimba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Marcoola - Mudjimba SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,646, with an average of $65,256. This is just below the national average, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,566 (median) and $71,723 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Marcoola - Mudjimba, between the 36th and 39th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 32.6% of locals (4,119 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile, and 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 within Marcoola - Mudjimba, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 62.5% houses and 37.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Marcoola - Mudjimba was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 38.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,811, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $435, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Marcoola - Mudjimba's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.2% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.3 people 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 qualifications in Marcoola - Mudjimba trail regional benchmarks, with 23.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.9%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 40 active transport stops operating within Marcoola - Mudjimba, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 426 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 399 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 16.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Marcoola - Mudjimba residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions remaining low across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,559 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.0% and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 66.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 28.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,548 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.4% of its population being citizens, 79.7% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Marcoola - Mudjimba is Christianity, which makes up 49.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Marcoola - Mudjimba are English, comprising 33.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.3% of Marcoola - Mudjimba (vs 7.8% regionally), German at 5.1% (vs 4.7%) and New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 0.9%).

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

At 49 years, Marcoola - Mudjimba's median age is significantly above the Regional Qld average of 41 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.4%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (9.0%) than in Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 9.8% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.4% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.5% to 14.8%. By 2041, Marcoola - Mudjimba is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 22% (271 people), reaching 1,504 from 1,232. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 61% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.