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 is around 26,380 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census population of 23,327 people, a rise of 3,053 individuals (13.1%). The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 25,351 as of June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 1,362 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,904 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages according to AreaSearch assessments. Maroochydore-Kuluin's growth rate exceeds that of the SA3 area (8.6%) and non-metro areas, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.8% of overall 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the area is forecast to expand by 7,925 persons, reflecting a total increase of 26.1% 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 had approximately 354 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that between financial year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25, around 1771 homes were approved, with an additional 214 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 1.9 people have moved into the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $804,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with high-end properties. Commercial approvals registered this financial year totalled $187.2 million, reflecting significant local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld), Maroochydore-Kuluin has seen 88.0% more new home approvals per person since FY-21. This high level of development activity suggests strong developer confidence in the location. In terms of dwelling types, 19.0% are detached dwellings while 81.0% consist of townhouses or apartments. This shift towards denser developments offers accessible entry-level options and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This trend marks a significant departure from the current housing pattern in Maroochydore-Kuluin, which is predominantly composed of houses (43.0%).

With approximately 95 people moving into the area per approval, Maroochydore-Kuluin reflects a growing region. By 2041, it is projected to gain an additional 6896 residents. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Area infrastructure performance is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 21 such projects that could potentially affect the area. Notable ones include Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Coordination Plan Projects, The Millwell, SOL by Walker, and Bruce Highway Upgrade - Maroochydore Road to Mons Road. Below is a list of projects likely to be most relevant.

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

The employment landscape in Maroochydore - Kuluin presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.5%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Maroochydore - Kuluin has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of June 2025. The area has 13,368 residents in work, which is 0.5% below the Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is at 54.9%, somewhat lower than the regional average of 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.9% compared to 4.5% regionally.

There are 0.9 workers for each resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, with employment down by 0.9%. This resulted in a fall of 1.3 percentage points in unemployment rate compared to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8% and unemployment rose slightly. State-level data from Sep-25 shows QLD's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts suggest total 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that Maroochydore - Kuluin has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $48,112 and the average is $61,871. In contrast, Rest of Qld's figures are a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year ending June 2022, current estimates for Maroochydore - Kuluin would be approximately $53,746 (median) and $69,116 (average) as of March 2025. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Maroochydore - Kuluin rank modestly, between the 27th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that the largest segment is 30.6% earning $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (8,072 residents), similar to the regional pattern where 31.7% fall within this range. 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 recorded in the latest Census, 42.6% of dwellings were houses while 57.4% were other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochydore-Kuluin stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged properties 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, while the median weekly rent was $410 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Maroochydore-Kuluin had lower mortgage repayments at $1,733 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, but higher rents at $410 versus 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 comprise 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 make up 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-Kuluin show that 25.4% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (26.6%). Current educational participation is high at 25.4%, with 7.1% in primary, 6.1% in tertiary, and 5.9% in 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

Maroochydore-Kuluin has 61 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 2,106 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 265 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 300 trips per day across all routes, which amounts 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 substantial health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older residents. Approximately 51% (~13,348 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 64.6% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, 27.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (7,146 people), higher than the 24.4% state average, indicating a relatively older population.

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 residents speaking a language other than English at home and 25.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.9%. Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (9.3%). There were also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand (1.0% vs 1.0%), German (4.8% vs 4.8%), 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 Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's national average of 38. The age profile reveals that the 25-34 year-olds are notably prominent, making up 16.4% of the population, while those aged 5-14 are comparatively smaller at 7.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds has increased from 15.1% to 16.4%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 8.6% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has declined from 13.6% to 12.1% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Maroochydore - Kuluin's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 5,881 from 4,318, while the 55-64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4%, increasing by 113 people.