Maroochydore - Kuluin

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 is approximately 26,449 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 3,122 people, a 13.4% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 23,327. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,351 in June 2024 and an additional 1,395 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,909 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Maroochydore - Kuluin's growth of 13.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.8%) and the non-metro area, indicating 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, 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 the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecast, with Maroochydore - Kuluin expected to expand by 7,925 persons to 2041, 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 1771 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. In FY26, up until now, 254 homes have been approved. On average, around 1.9 people move to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $420,000. This financial year has seen $187.2 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maroochydore-Kuluin shows 88.0% higher development activity per person as of recent periods. This should provide buyers with ample choice, though development activity has moderated recently. Nationally, this level is well above average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 19.0% detached dwellings and 81.0% attached dwellings, skewed towards compact living which offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently at 43.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 95 people per dwelling approval, Maroochydore-Kuluin exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, it is expected to grow by approximately 6827 residents by 2041. 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.

Maroochydore - Kuluin has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include The Millwell, Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Coordination Plan, SOL by Walker, and Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. Below is a list of projects likely most relevant.

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 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Maroochydore-Kuluin has a skilled workforce with key services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%.

As of September 2025, 13,223 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 0.2% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation is 54.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction, with notable concentration in accommodation & food (1.3 times regional average). Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.5%, with employment down by 1.7%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Conversely, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely matching 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 Maroochydore-Kuluin's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Maroochydore - Kuluin SA2 is $48,112, with an average of $61,871 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $54,843 (median) and $70,527 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Maroochydore - Kuluin rank modestly, between the 27th and 41st percentiles. Distribution data shows that 30.6% of locals (8,093 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Maroochydore - Kuluin, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd 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

Maroochydore - Kuluin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 42.6% houses and 57.4% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochydore - Kuluin was 32.8%, 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 $1,820 but higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $410, slightly higher than Non-Metro Qld's $420 and significantly above 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 show that 25.4% of residents aged 15 and over hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Among these residents, bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas held by 12.8% of residents and certificates held by 26.6%.

Educational participation is high in Maroochydore, 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.

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

The transport analysis indicates 61 active stops operating in Maroochydore-Kuluin, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 12 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,106 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 265 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 300 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per 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 common conditions prevalent among both younger and older residents. Approximately 51% (~13,383 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of Qld's 52.7%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health concerns (8.9%), with 64.6% reporting no ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 27.1% (7,165 people), higher than the Rest of Qld's 24.4%.

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

Maroochydore-Kuluin, in a diversity analysis conducted on the 25th of June 2021, showed above average cultural diversity with 10.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.7% born overseas. Christianity was found to be the main religion in Maroochydore-Kuluin, comprising 47.9% of the population as of June 2021. Notably, Hinduism showed an overrepresentation with 1.9% of the population compared to 1.2% across Rest of Qld at the same period.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Maroochydore-Kuluin were English (32.7%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (9.3%) as of June 2021. Other notable divergences included New Zealand (1.0% vs regional 1.0%), German (4.8% vs regional 4.8%), and Scottish (8.8% vs regional 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 Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and 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 relatively smaller at 7.1% compared to Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.1% to 16.4%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen 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, with the 25-34 group expected to grow by 36% (1,551 people), reaching 5,881 from 4,329. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 3% (104 people).