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 12,638 as of Feb 2026. This shows an increase of 677 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,961. The growth is inferred from ABS data: estimated resident population was 12,553 in June 2024 and there were 86 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 384 persons per square kilometer. Marcoola-Mudjimba's 5.7% growth since census is close to the SA3 area's 8.1%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.6% of population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas, with a projected gain of 796 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.6% over the 17 years.

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. Between FY21-FY25340 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY26. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated around 1.6 new residents.

This balance suggests stable market conditions, while the average construction value of $347,000 per dwelling aligns with regional patterns. In FY26, there have been $4.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Marcoola-Mudjimba exhibits about 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 78th percentile nationally, with building activity accelerating recently.

New development comprises 80% standalone homes and 20% medium-high density housing, maintaining the area's low-density character. Interestingly, developers are favoring traditional houses (62% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 180 people per dwelling approval, Marcoola-Mudjimba exhibits low-density characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch projects a population increase of 711 residents. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, presenting favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 60 such projects that could potentially affect this 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 details those considered 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 an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of September 2025. It has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The area has 6,302 residents in work, which is 1.0% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags at 59.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A moderate 16.6% of residents work from home, based on Census responses. Employment 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, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.9%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7% and employment declined by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point fall in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years when applied to Marcoola - Mudjimba's 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 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,646 and an average of $65,256. This is just below the national average. The Rest of Qld had a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,566 (median) and $71,723 (average). The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in Marcoola - Mudjimba, between the 36th and 39th percentiles. The earnings profile indicated that 32.6% of locals (4,119 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions at 31.7%. 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

Marcoola-Mudjimba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census (2016), had 62.5% houses and 37.5% other dwellings. Comparatively, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marcoola-Mudjimba was 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,811, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $435, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Marcoola-Mudjimba's mortgage repayments were lower ($1,811 vs $1,863), but rents were higher ($435 vs $375).

Marcoola - Mudjimba features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-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 account for the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Marcoola-Mudjimba trail residents aged 15+ with university degrees: 23.7%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (16.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials held by 41.2% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.9%). Active pursuit of formal education by 24.7% of the population, broken down into primary (8.3%), secondary (7.0%), and tertiary (4.3%) levels.

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

Marcoola-Mudjimba has 40 operational public transport stops, all bus services. Two routes serve these stops, facilitating 426 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 399 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily by car (93%). On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 10 weekly trips per 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 show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts, aligning with national benchmarks. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,559 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (7.9%), while 66.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.1%, totaling 3,548 people, compared to the state average of 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking in line with the general population nationally.

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 June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 87.4% Australian citizens, 79.7% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion (49.1%). Judaism was slightly 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 slightly higher at 1%.

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 are particularly prominent, making up 15.4% of the population, while those aged 5-14 make up only 9.0%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 has increased from 7.9% to 9.8%, while the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 has increased from 9.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.5% to 11.4%, and the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has dropped from 16.5% to 14.8%. By 2041, Marcoola - Mudjimba is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 75 to 84 group, which is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 1,504 people from 1,232. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 61% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups.