Molendinar
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Molendinar reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Molendinar's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,702. This figure represents an increase of 252 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,450. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,708 in June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 876 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is projected to expand by 977 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Molendinar, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Molendinar has averaged approximately seven new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 38 homes were approved, with an additional two approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. However, this ratio has intensified to 18.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $389,000. This year alone, $21.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Molendinar shows significantly reduced construction levels, with 76.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Nationally, Molendinar's construction levels are also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest, with 84.0% of new dwellings being standalone homes compared to the Census figure, demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1662 people, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. Future projections indicate Molendinar adding 983 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Molendinar 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 16 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Foxwell Day Hospital & Health Precinct, Costco Wholesale Coomera, Westfield Coomera Shopping Centre, and Griffith University Gold Coast Campus Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Molendinar remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Molendinar has a skilled workforce with notable representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, while Rest of Qld's rate is 3.9%. Workforce participation in Molendinar is 64.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. The area has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.3% of Molendinar's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. There are 1.2 workers for every resident in Molendinar, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force increased by 2.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Molendinar's local employment growth could approximate 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Molendinar has a median taxpayer income of $46,481 and an average income of $60,433 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than average nationally compared to 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 $52,984 (median) and $68,888 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 51st percentile ($1,767 weekly), while personal income sits at the 29th percentile. Distribution data shows 36.3% of the population (2,432 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Molendinar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Molendinar's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.2% houses and 15.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 44.5% houses and 55.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Molendinar was at 23.0%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 41.5% and rented ones for 35.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,850, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,750. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Molendinar's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

Molendinar features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.9% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 15.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 14.8% and group households comprising 6.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Molendinar shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 25.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 24.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.5% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education. Molendinar is home to Trinity Lutheran College, serving 1,325 students as of a specific date. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1082). All one schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity.

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

Molendinar has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 588 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average being located 299 meters from the nearest stop.

Each route operates an average of 84 trips per day, resulting in approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Molendinar's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Molendinar residents show favourable health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, affecting 8.1% and 7.9% respectively. About 71.8% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 69.4%. The area has 12.0% residents aged 65 and over (803 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 17.1%. Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Molendinar is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Molendinar has a high level of cultural diversity, with 26.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Molendinar, making up 47.1% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.3% of Molendinar's population versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.0%), Australian (20.5%), and Other (10.5%). Korean, Maori, and New Zealand ethnicities show notable overrepresentation in Molendinar compared to regional averages.

Molendinar's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Molendinar has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and slightly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented in Molendinar at 16.4%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.6%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 14.8% to 16.4%. During this period, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.7%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.3% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Molendinar's age profile will significantly evolve. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 416 people (43%), growing from 975 to 1,392. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.