Maroochydore - Kuluin
Statistical Area - sa2

Maroochydore - Kuluin lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Maroochydore-Kuluin's population, as of Nov 2025, is around 26,449. This figure represents an increase of 3,122 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,327. The change was inferred from ABS estimates of 25,351 as of June 2024 and an additional 1,395 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,909 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 13.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (8.8%) and non-metro areas, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. By 2041, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecasted, with Maroochydore-Kuluin expected to expand by 7,925 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 25.8% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Maroochydore - Kuluin was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Maroochydore-Kuluin has seen approximately 354 new homes approved annually, with a total of 1,771 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. As of FY26232 homes have been approved so far. On average, 1.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions.

The average development value for new dwellings is $420,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $187.2 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maroochydore-Kuluin shows 88.0% higher development activity per person. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, developer confidence in the area is strong and well above average. New developments consist of 19.0% detached dwellings and 81.0% attached dwellings, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers due to affordability. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix of 43.0% houses.

With around 95 people per dwelling approval, Maroochydore-Kuluin exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 6,827 residents. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Maroochydore - Kuluin has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include The Millwell, Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Coordination Plan, SOL by Walker, and Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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

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While Maroochydore - Kuluin retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Maroochydore - Kuluin has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 3.5%.

There are 13,368 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 54.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with 0.9% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The worker-to-resident ratio is substantial, indicating significant local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.3%, while employment decreased by 0.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maroochydore - Kuluin's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Maroochydore - Kuluin has a median taxpayer income of $48,112 and an average income of $61,871 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median income being $50,780 and average income being $64,844. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $54,843 and the average income will be around $70,527, factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Maroochydore - Kuluin rank modestly, between the 27th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 30.6% of locals (8,093 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Maroochydore - Kuluin displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Maroochydore - Kuluin, as per the latest Census, 42.6% of dwellings were houses while 57.4% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochydore - Kuluin stood at 32.8%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 42.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in the area was $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Maroochydore - Kuluin's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Maroochydore - Kuluin features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 60.4% of all households, including 16.4% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.6%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households comprising 6.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

Maroochydore - Kuluin performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Maroochydore-Kuluin indicate that 25.4% of residents aged 15 and over hold university degrees, compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.4% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 26.6%. Educational participation is high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.1% in primary education, 6.1% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education. There are seven schools operating within Maroochydore-Kuluin, educating approximately 2,956 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1024) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is split between three primary and four secondary institutions. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis shows 61 active transport stops operating within Maroochydore-Kuluin. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 12 individual routes that collectively provide 2,106 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 300 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maroochydore - Kuluin is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Maroochydore - Kuluin faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions among both younger and older residents. Approximately 51% (~13,383 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Qld's 52.7%.

Arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (8.9%) are most prevalent. About 64.6% claim to be free of medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.1% (7,165 people), exceeding Rest of Qld's 24.4%.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Maroochydore - Kuluin was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Maroochydore-Kuluin had a cultural diversity index above average, with 10.6% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 25.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Maroochydore-Kuluin, accounting for 47.9%. Hinduism, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Queensland, with 1.9% versus 1.2%.

In terms of ancestry, English (32.7%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (9.3%) were the top three groups represented in Maroochydore-Kuluin. Notable divergences included New Zealand (1.0%, same as regional), German (4.8%, same as regional), and Scottish (8.8% vs 9.1%).

Maroochydore - Kuluin hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Maroochydore - Kuluin has a median age of 45, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 16.4%, while those aged 5-14 are smaller in comparison to the Rest of Qld at 7.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.1% to 16.4%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 8.6% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.1%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Maroochydore - Kuluin's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 5,881 people from 4,329. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3%.