Mapleton

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Mapleton's population is estimated at around 1,926 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 265 people (16.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,661 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,906 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 143 persons per square kilometer. Mapleton's growth rate of 16.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 72.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected for Mapleton statistical area (Lv2), with an estimated increase of 186 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

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

Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mapleton has significantly less development activity, at 54.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. All new construction in the area has been detached houses, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location currently has approximately 167 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mapleton is expected to grow by 28 residents through to 2041. 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 changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Key projects include Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, Nambour General Hospital Redevelopment, Unitywater Infrastructure Program from 2023 to 2027, and the Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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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 essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025710 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Mapleton lags at 42.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, retail trade has lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 10.0%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.4% and employment decreased by 1.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows QLD 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%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Mapleton's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against local employment mix.

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, 2023, Mapleton had a median income among taxpayers of $41,421. The average income in the suburb was $52,392. These figures are lower than national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since June 30, 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $45,526 and an average income of $57,584 by September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Mapleton fall between the 6th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income analysis indicates that 31.4% of Mapleton's population (604 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, 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 assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mapleton stood at 55.6%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (23.6%) or rented (20.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,534, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Mapleton was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Mapleton's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 account for 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 2.6.

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 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 currently engaged in formal education, including 7.0% in primary, 5.3% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Mapleton shows six active transport stops currently operating, all offering bus services. These stops are served by a single route collectively providing 20 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 474 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages two trips per day across all routes, 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, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (923 people), compared to 50.9% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (13.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 58.5% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% in Rest of Qld.

Mapleton has 36.4% (701 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming the general population in 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 76.2% of its population born in Australia, 87.4% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.1% of Mapleton's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.9%), Australian (22.8%), and Scottish (11.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French was overrepresented at 1.0% (vs regional 0.6%), Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.2%), and New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 1.0%).

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 national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 21.5% of the population in Mapleton, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 6.4% to 8.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.1% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mapleton's age structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 77%, adding 50 residents to reach a total of 116. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 65% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.