Maroochy Hinterland
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Maroochy Hinterland's population was approximately 7,342 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 512 people, an increase of 7.5%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,830. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,316 in June 2024 and the addition of 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's growth rate of 8.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected by 2041, with Maroochy Hinterland projected to grow by 647 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 8.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest 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 FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 137 homes approved during this period. In FY-26, up until now, 12 dwellings have been approved. On average, 4.9 new residents per year settle in Maroochy Hinterland for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

This high demand relative to supply typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition, with new properties having an average construction cost of $387,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals worth $2.7 million have been registered, indicating Maroochy Hinterland's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maroochy Hinterland has significantly less development activity, being 73.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties in the area.

The current building activity is dominated by detached dwellings at 95.0%, with attached dwellings comprising only 5.0%. This maintains Maroochy Hinterland's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking space and family homes. With approximately 236 people per approval, Maroochy Hinterland reflects a transitioning market in terms of population growth. Population forecasts indicate that Maroochy Hinterland will gain 621 residents by the year 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good 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 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include The Grove Nambour Heights, Windsor Park Estate, Burnside Hills, and 68-116 Henebery Road North Residential Subdivision. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Maroochy Hinterland has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Maroochy Hinterland has an unemployment rate of 4.1% as of June 2025, with 3,415 residents employed. The unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is lower at 51.8%.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notable concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Retail trade has limited presence at 7.4% compared to the regional 10.0%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 0.7%, resulting in a 1.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate.

Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local projections suggesting Maroochy Hinterland growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Maroochy Hinterland's median income among taxpayers was $45,627 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $57,712 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,010 (median) and $65,786 (average) as of September 2025. According to data from the 2021 Census, household incomes in Maroochy Hinterland fall between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 27.4% of locals, with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally. Maroochy Hinterland's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Maroochy Hinterland, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochy Hinterland stood at 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 in the area was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Maroochy Hinterland's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 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 comprise the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 22.7% and group households at 2.6%. 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 educational profile is notable within the region, with university qualification rates at 26.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 27.8%.

A significant 24.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.0% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education. The Maroochy Hinterland has three schools with a combined enrollment of 282 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1027) and offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. However, limited local school capacity (3.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 10.6) means many families seek schooling in nearby areas.

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

The public transport analysis indicates 12 active transport stops within Maroochy Hinterland, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by a single route, providing a total of 20 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents located an average of 1543 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, equating 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 (~3,590 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.3 and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 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 (2,063 people), which is higher than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even 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 had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 80.1% of its population born in Australia, 88.9% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.8% of the population. Buddhism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 1.6% versus 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.5%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (10.5%). French ethnicity was notably higher at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, German remained the same at 5.0%, and Irish was slightly overrepresented at 9.9% versus 8.9%.

Maroochy Hinterland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maroochy Hinterland has a median age of 51, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. 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 year-olds are under-represented at 6.9%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.2% to 9.9%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined 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+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding 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 cohorts.