Mapleton

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

As of Feb 2026, Mapleton's population is estimated at around 1,926, reflecting an increase of 265 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 1,661. This increase represents a growth rate of 16.0%. AreaSearch estimated the resident population to be 1,906 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), with an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. The population density is approximately 143 persons per square kilometer. Mapleton's growth rate exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, indicating significant growth in the suburb.

Interstate migration contributed around 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 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 used. 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. Based on projected demographic shifts, Mapleton is expected to increase by around 182 persons to reach a population of approximately 2,108 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mapleton averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 57 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. This translates to an average of about 3 new residents per year for each dwelling between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these dwellings is approximately $719,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upscale properties.

In FY26, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, highlighting Mapleton's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mapleton has significantly less development activity, around 54.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. All new construction since FY21 has consisted solely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The current population density is approximately 167 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mapleton is projected to grow by around 33 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, 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 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects 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 as of September 2025 was 6.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In that month, 717 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Mapleton lagged significantly at 45.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicated that a moderate 24.1% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. 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 had lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 10.0%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3%, employment decreased by 1.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Mapleton. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mapleton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, Mapleton had a median income among taxpayers of $41,421 and an average income of $52,392. This is lower than the national average, which was $53,146 for Rest of Qld in 2023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $45,526 and an average income of $57,584 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census revealed that household, family, and personal incomes in Mapleton fall between the 6th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 31.4% of Mapleton's population (604 individuals) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally. The area'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 latest Census evaluation of dwelling structures in Mapleton showed that 87.0% were houses and 13.1% were other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mapleton was recorded at 55.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.6% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,534, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Mapleton was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Mapleton's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area rate of 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 25.5%.

A significant 21.1% of the population is currently engaged in formal education, including 7.0% in primary, 5.3% in secondary, 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 stops operating within Mapleton, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 20 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate with residents located an average of 474 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 90%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 24.1% work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages two trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly three weekly trips per stop.

Mapleton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Mapleton shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 48%, compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (13.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 58.5% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age residents face higher chronic condition rates. Mapleton has 36.6% aged 65 and over (704 people), higher than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank high nationally.

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

Mapleton has a below-average level of cultural diversity, 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. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Mapleton compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.3% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English (36.9%), Australian (22.8%), and Scottish (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French (1.0% vs regional average of 0.5%), Russian (0.5% vs 0.2%), and New Zealand (1.0% vs 0.9%) are overrepresented in Mapleton.

Mapleton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Mapleton is 58 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and significantly exceeds Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 21.5% of the population in Mapleton, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.4%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.1% of the population in Mapleton. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mapleton's age structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 64%, adding 45 residents to reach a total of 117. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 71% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 5-14 age cohorts.