Maroochy Hinterland

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

Maroochy Hinterland's population was approximately 7,342 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 512 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.5% rise from the previous population count of 6,830. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 7,316 in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 13.9 persons per square kilometer. Maroochy Hinterland's growth rate of 7.5% since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the non-metro area, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilized. Future population projections indicate a growth of 647 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Maroochy Hinterland among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Maroochy Hinterland averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 137 homes approved during this period and an additional 13 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 4.9 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties was $387,000.

In the current financial year, $2.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maroochy Hinterland has significantly less development activity, 73.0% below the regional average per person, which often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity consists of approximately 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 236 people per approval, Maroochy Hinterland reflects a transitioning market in terms of population growth.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain 621 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Maroochy Hinterland has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include The Grove Nambour Heights, Windsor Park Estate, Burnside Hills, and 68-116 Henebery Road North Residential Subdivision. Details on projects of most relevance are listed below.

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

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Employment performance in Maroochy Hinterland has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Maroochy Hinterland has an unemployment rate of 4.5% as of September 2025, with 3,365 residents employed. The unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is lower at 51.8%.

Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Retail trade, however, has limited presence with 7.4% employment compared to 10.0% regionally. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4%, and employment declined by 1.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7%. As of 25-Nov, QLD employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maroochy Hinterland's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The median income among taxpayers in Maroochy Hinterland SA2 was $45,627 and the average income stood at $57,712 in financial year 2022. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,010 (median) and $65,786 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Maroochy Hinterland all fall between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 27.4% of locals (2,011 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Maroochy Hinterland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Maroochy Hinterland's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochy Hinterland was 49.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 14.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Maroochy Hinterland's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Maroochy Hinterland has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.8% of all households, including 24.1% couples with children, 42.3% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Maroochy Hinterland performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 26.1%, higher than the Rest of Queensland average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 27.8%.

A total of 24.5% of the population is actively pursuing education, including 9.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation within the Maroochy Hinterland indicates that there are currently twelve active transport stops in operation. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing service to all stops collectively offering twenty weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 1543 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Maroochy Hinterland is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Maroochy Hinterland faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3590 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, affecting 11.3% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 8.5%. A total of 63.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across Rest of Qld. The area has 28.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2063 people), higher than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Maroochy Hinterland ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Maroochy Hinterland's population showed low cultural diversity, with 80.1% born in Australia, 88.9% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 47.8%. Buddhism, however, was slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages (1.6% vs 1.4%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.5%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (10.5%). Notably, French (0.8% vs 0.6%), German (5.0% vs 5.0%), and Irish (9.9% vs 8.9%) groups showed higher representation compared to regional averages.

Maroochy Hinterland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maroochy Hinterland's median age is 51, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Maroochy Hinterland at 16.7%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.9%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.2% to 9.9%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 18.3% to 16.9% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Maroochy Hinterland's age structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to increase by 190 people (89%), from 213 to 404. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 51% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.