Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland

Population growth drivers in Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's population is around 13,159 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 716 people (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,443 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,075 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,392 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's 5.8% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,132 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 8.0% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 33 new homes approved annually, totalling 168 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.7 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $758,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $12.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland records markedly lower building activity (67.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 59.0% detached dwellings and 41.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. 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 1,048 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, the Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade, SOL by Walker - Maroochydore City Centre, and the Alex Bluff Foreshore Coastal Pathway, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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, and an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. As of December 2025, 7,267 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.3% of Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.2% combined with employment decreasing by 3.1%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,126 with the average level standing at $72,581. This is higher than average nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,391 (median) and $79,774 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($861 weekly), while household income sits at the 38th percentile. Distribution data shows 31.5% of the population (4,145 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 38th percentile and 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 37.9% houses and 62.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland was in line with that of Regional Qld, at 33.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.1%) or rented (41.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding 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 dominate at 59.8% of all households, comprising 18.5% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.2%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 6.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (30.0% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA4 region (24.9%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (25.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.3% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 47 active transport stops operating within Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 1,020 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 17.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 145 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~7,290 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.9% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 69.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,876 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 8.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. The main religion in Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland is Christianity, which makes up 47.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 1.4% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland are English, comprising 32.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland (vs 0.9% regionally), Scottish at 9.1% (vs 7.8%) and French at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

At 44 years, Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland's median age is marginally above the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (17.2%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (8.0%) than in Regional Qld. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.7% to 17.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.1% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.5% to 14.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 19%, adding 435 residents to reach 2,701. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 cohorts.