Marcoola

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

Marcoola's population is estimated at around 3,739 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 384 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,355 people. The current resident population is estimated at 3,711 following AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 255 persons per square kilometer. Marcoola's growth rate of 11.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (8.1%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth of national regional areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 188 persons to 2041 reflecting a decline of 0.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Marcoola according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Marcoola has seen approximately 15 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 76 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 4 approvals recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new properties is $503,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

In FY-26, $2.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Marcoola has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's building activity consists of 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving its low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (43.0%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 233 people per dwelling approval, Marcoola shows a developing market. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers in the area.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include the Marcoola Affordable Housing Project, Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment, and David Low Way, Pacific Paradise. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Marcoola has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Marcoola has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, as aggregated by AreaSearch from statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,982 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 63.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Marcoola's labour force decreased by 2.6% and employment fell by 2.0%, leading to a drop in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marcoola's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Marcoola has lower incomes than the national average. The median income is $48,023 and the average income stands at $63,892. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Marcoola would be approximately $52,782 (median) and $70,224 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Marcoola rank modestly, between the 28th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that the majority of residents, 31.8% or 1,189 people, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, consistent with broader regional trends. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Marcoola, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Marcoola displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Marcoola's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 43.4% houses and 56.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marcoola was at 29.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.7% and rented ones at 41.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Marcoola was $406, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Marcoola's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.6% of all households, including 20.5% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households making up 5.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Marcoola demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Marcoola's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks, with 24.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.1% and certificates for 30.2%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Marcoola has 21 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes, offering a total of 426 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 179 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Marcoola being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Marcoola'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 Marcoola shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (1,963 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.3% and 8.3% of residents respectively. About 68.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Marcoola has a higher proportion of seniors (21.4%, 800 people) than the state average (20.4%). Senior health outcomes are above average, matching national rankings.

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

Marcoola's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.1% of its population being citizens and 82.8% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, at 94.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.0% of Marcoola's population.

Buddhism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 1.4% versus 1.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.5%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, Scottish (9.5%) and French (0.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 7.8% and 0.5%, respectively. Dutch ancestry was also somewhat overrepresented at 1.7% versus the regional average of 1.1%.

Marcoola hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Marcoola has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 make up 16.2%, while those aged 5-14 comprise only 9.8%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.7% to 13.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.7% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.2% to 13.1%, and the 55 to 64 group has fallen from 17.5% to 16.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Marcoola's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 12 people, reaching 572 from 512. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.