Maleny

Maleny has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Maleny statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,107, reflecting an increase of 148 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.7% rise from the previous figure of 3,959. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,074 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 128 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 169 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australia's regional areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Maleny (SA2) is expected to expand by 87 persons to reach a population of around 4,194 by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Maleny when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Maleny shows an average of around 31 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 158 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years (FY-21 to FY-25), there has been an average of 0.8 people moving to the area per dwelling built, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average value of new dwellings being developed is $720,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market.

There have also been $6.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maleny records roughly half the building activity per person but ranks among the 87th percentile nationally for construction activity. New development consists of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing.

At around 97 people per approval, Maleny reflects a low density area. Future projections estimate that Maleny will add approximately 51 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Maleny has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects potentially affecting the area. Notable initiatives include Landsborough-Maleny Road and Maleny-Montville Road Intersection Upgrade, Coral Residences Maleny, Maleny Grove Expansion, and Maleny Meadows Estate.

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.

While Maleny retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.5%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Maleny has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,573 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Maleny lags significantly at 43.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, the area has a high concentration in education & training with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 1.5% versus the regional average of 3.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.9% while employment declined by 2.0%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points in Maleny. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Maleny's local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Maleny's current employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows that income in Maleny is below national average. Median assessed income is $37,526 while average income stands at $56,620. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures: median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $41,245 (median) and $62,231 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Maleny all fall between 9th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that $400 - $799 earnings band captures 28.1% of community (1,154 individuals), differing from metropolitan region where $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at 12th percentile nationally. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Maleny is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Maleny's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maleny stood at 57.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (23.2%) or rented (19.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Maleny was $390, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Maleny's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Maleny features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.8% of all households, including 16.3% couples with children, 38.6% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Maleny significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 23.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.7%) and certificates (20.9%). A substantial 21.3% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 7.0% in secondary education, 6.8% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 21.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.0% in secondary education, 6.8% in primary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Maleny has six active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. Two different routes service these stops, together offering 145 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Maleny is limited, with residents usually located 787 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 20 trips per day across all routes, which equals about 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maleny is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Maleny faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half (50%) of Maleny's total population (~2,038 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0% of residents) and mental health issues (8.3%). Conversely, 58.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of Qld's figure of 66.4%. Maleny has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 39.1% (1,605 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 20.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Maleny are above average and better than those in the general population.

Maleny ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Maleny's population showed low cultural diversity with 77.0% born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 43.4%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.7%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (10.9%). Scottish ancestry was notably higher in Maleny at 10.3% versus 9.0% regionally, Welsh at 1.0% versus 0.7%, and French at 0.9% versus 0.6%.

Maleny ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Maleny is 58 years, notably higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 19.7% compared to Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 5.3%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.8% to 8.2% of Maleny's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.3%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 21.1% to 19.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Maleny's age structure. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 74%, adding 154 residents to reach a total of 364. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 81% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 age group and the 5 to 14 age group.