Mapleton

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

As of Nov 2025, Mapleton's estimated population is around 1,790, reflecting a 7.8% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,661 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, which estimated a resident population of 1,781 for surrounding areas applied to Mapleton. The suburb has witnessed resilient growth over the past decade, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032. Considering these projections, Mapleton is expected to increase by 173 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.4% total increase over the 17-year period.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 173 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 8.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Mapleton averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 49 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated around 3.5 new residents. This demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $719,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, $1.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mapleton has significantly less development activity, with 60.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

All new construction since FY-21 has been detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 269 people per dwelling approval in Mapleton, indicating potential room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mapleton is expected to grow by 151 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mapleton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No infrastructure changes are anticipated in the area, as AreaSearch has identified zero projects that may impact it. Key initiatives include Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, Nambour General Hospital Redevelopment, UnityWater Infrastructure Program from 2023 to 2027, and Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.

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Employment drivers in Mapleton are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Mapleton has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of a certain period, showing relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas.

As of June 2025719 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Mapleton lagged significantly at 42.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food services. Notably, employment levels in health care & social assistance were at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, retail trade showed lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 10.0%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population versus resident population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3%, employment decreased by 0.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.9 percentage points in Mapleton. In Rest of Qld during the same period, employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mapleton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Mapleton had a median income among taxpayers of $41,421 and an average income of $52,392. This is lower than the national average of $50,780 and compares to levels in Rest of Qld at $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $47,216 and average income $59,722. The 2021 Census showed Mapleton's incomes rank between the 6th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income analysis found that 31.4% of residents earned within the $800-$1,499 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remained, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally. Mapleton'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

The dwelling structure in Mapleton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mapleton stood at 55.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.6% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,534, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Mapleton was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Mapleton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 30.0%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area average of 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials, held by 38.8% of residents aged 15+, include advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (25.5%).

A total of 21.1% of the population is actively pursuing education, with 7.0% in primary, 5.3% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Mapleton State School serves Mapleton with an enrollment of 159 students as of a recent report. The area's ICSEA score for socio-educational conditions is 1058, indicating above-average conditions. There is one school focused on primary education; secondary options are available in nearby areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Mapleton shows that there are six active transportation stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There is one individual route servicing these stops, collectively providing twenty weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 474 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is two trips per day, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mapleton is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Mapleton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups show high prevalence rates for common health conditions. Only approximately 48% (~858 people) of Mapleton's total population has private health cover, which is lower compared to Rest of Qld at 50.1%, and the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Mapleton are arthritis (affecting 13.4% of residents) and mental health issues (8.9%). Conversely, 58.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 66.4%. Mapleton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.2% (647 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 20.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among Mapleton's seniors are strong, even outperforming the general population in certain health metrics.

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

Mapleton's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 76.2% of its population born in Australia, 87.4% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mapleton, comprising 51.1% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in Judaism, which makes up 0.3% of Mapleton's population compared to 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Mapleton are English at 36.9%, Australian at 22.8%, and Scottish at 11.6%. There are notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French is overrepresented at 1.0% (vs regional 0.6%), Russian at 0.5% (vs regional 0.2%), and New Zealand at 1.0% (vs regional 1.0%).

Mapleton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Mapleton is 58 years, notably exceeding 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 21.4% compared to Rest of Qld, whereas the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.1%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Following the census conducted on 10 August 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.6%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Mapleton's age structure. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 91%, adding 55 residents to reach a total of 116. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 62% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.