Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's population is approximately 13,125 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 682 people, a growth rate of 5.5%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,443. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,075 in June 2024 and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,386 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts following ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase of just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with an expected growth of 1,132 persons and an overall gain of 8.2%.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland has seen approximately 33 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 168 homes. So far in FY2025-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY2020-21 and FY2024-25 has resulted in an average of 2.7 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $758,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In this financial year, $12.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland records markedly lower building activity, at 67.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's established nature is also reflected in its level being under the national average, potentially suggesting planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 59.0% detached dwellings and 41.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (38.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 512 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Future projections show Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland adding 1,082 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 29 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade, SOL by Walker - Maroochydore City Centre, and Alex Bluff Foreshore Coastal Pathway. The following list details those likely to have most relevance.

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

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The labour market in Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of June 2025.

There were 7,550 residents in work at this time, with an unemployment rate 1.8% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. The area showed particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 1.3% of Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2% and employment decreased by 1.3%, resulting in an unemployment rate fall of 0.9 percentage points. 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, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland had a median income among taxpayers of $51,443 and an average income of $71,930. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. As of September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $58,640 and $81,993 based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($861 weekly) while household income is at the 39th percentile. Distribution data shows 31.5% of the population (4,134 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland, as per the latest Census, 37.9% of dwellings were houses while 62.2% were other types such as semi-detached and apartments. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in the area stood at 33.9%, with mortgaged properties at 25.1% and rented ones at 41.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in the area was $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 59.8% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.2%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 6.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

The educational profile of Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 30.0% of residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of SA4 region (24.9%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (25.1%).

Educational participation is high at 25.8%, including primary education (7.3%), secondary education (6.7%), and tertiary education (6.1%). Mooloolaba State School, established in 1974, serves the area with an enrollment of 793 students as of 2021. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 6.1, below the regional average of 9.7, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 46 active transport stops operating within Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland. These comprise a mix of bus services. There are 5 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 1,106 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 158 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per stop.

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% (~7,258 people), compared to 52.7% in the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.9%) and mental health issues (7.7%). About 69.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in the rest of Queensland. Approximately 21.7% (~2,846 people) of residents are aged 65 or over, lower than the 24.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong and perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland has a cultural diversity level above average, with 8.7% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland, comprising 47.8% of the population. Hinduism shows an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Queensland, with 1.4% of the population versus 1.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.7%), Australian (23.2%), and Irish (10.3%). Notable divergences include New Zealand's representation at 1.3%, Scottish at 9.1%, and French at 0.7%.

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland's median age is 44 years, which is marginally above Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent at 16.7%, while the 5-14 group is comparatively smaller at 8.2% compared to Rest of Qld. Since 2021, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.7% to 16.7%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.1% to 7.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 14.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 24%, adding 514 residents to reach 2,701. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 cohorts.