Mapleton

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Mapleton's estimated population is around 1,951 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 290 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,661. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,926 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 145 persons per square kilometer. Mapleton's growth of 17.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded Rest of Qld's 9.2% and the national average, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with an expected growth of 168 persons reflecting a total increase of 7.3% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mapleton when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis shows Mapleton recorded around 11 residential properties approved per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 57 homes were approved, with 11 more in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 4.9 new residents per year for every home built over these five financial years.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average value of $719,000. In FY-26, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mapleton has significantly less development activity, being 54.0% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 178 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Mapleton will gain 143 residents through to 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

No infrastructure changes are likely to impact the area. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially influential. Key projects include Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, Nambour General Hospital Redevelopment, Unitywater Infrastructure Program from 2023 to 2027, and New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project.

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Employment conditions in Mapleton face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mapleton has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025752 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Mapleton lags significantly at 47.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that a moderate 24.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Mapleton demonstrates notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, retail trade shows lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 10.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, Mapleton's labour force decreased by 1.7%, alongside a 1.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mapleton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

Mapleton's median income among taxpayers was $41,421 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $52,392 during the same period. These figures are lower than Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. By March 2026, estimates suggest Mapleton's median income will be approximately $46,126 and average income around $58,344, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36%. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Mapleton rank between the 6th and 10th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment in Mapleton comprises 31.4% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 612 residents falling into this bracket. This contrasts with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains in Mapleton, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Mapleton, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 87.0% houses and 13.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mapleton stood at 55.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.6%) or rented (20.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,534, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Mapleton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported in the December 2020 quarter, while rents are less than the national figure of $375 for the same period.

Mapleton has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 66.8% of all households, including 15.7% couples with children, 42.4% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Mapleton 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%, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area rate of 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 25.5%.

A total of 21.1% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.0% in primary education, 5.3% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows six active transport stops operating within Mapleton. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one route providing all services. This results in 20 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically located 474 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward using cars at 90%, while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.1% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Mapleton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Mapleton residents shows positive outcomes overall, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are seen across both young and elderly age groups at a standard level. Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% of Mapleton's total population (~935 people) having it, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%), while 58.5% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents face higher chronic condition rates. Mapleton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.3% (727 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank favourably, even better than the general population nationally.

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

Mapleton was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 76.2% of its population born in Australia, 87.4% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Mapleton is Christianity, comprising 51.1% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Regional Qld, with 0.3% of Mapleton's population identifying as such, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English at 36.9%, Australian at 22.8%, and Scottish at 11.6%. Notably, French is overrepresented in Mapleton at 1.0%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Russian is also overrepresented at 0.5% (regional: 0.2%), and New Zealand is represented at 1.0% (regional: 0.9%).

Mapleton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Mapleton is 58 years, which is notably higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 21.9% of the population in Mapleton, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 5.9%, which is less prevalent compared to Regional Queensland. Nationally, the 65-74 age group constitutes 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 6.4% to 8.3% of Mapleton's population. However, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.1% to 9.4%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 19.5% to 18.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mapleton's age structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 76%, adding 51 residents to reach a total of 120. This growth is driven by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 64% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 age group and the 55 to 64 age group.