Marcoola

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

Marcoola's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 3734 people. This figure reflects an increase of 379 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3355 people in Marcoola (SA2). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3711 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 255 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Marcoola's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (8.0%) and the non-metro area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Marcoola (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, lower quartile growth of national regional areas is anticipated. The area is expected to grow by 175 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Marcoola has seen around 15 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years from FY2021 to FY2025. In total, an estimated 76 homes have been approved during this period. As of FY2026 so far, four approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per year for each new home built over these five financial years, suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions that create stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $503,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $2.7 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Marcoola has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, while it places among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally for new dwelling approvals.

The new building activity shows that 89% are standalone homes and 11% are townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's 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 (43% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 233 people per dwelling approval, Marcoola shows a developing market. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the area.

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

Thirty-five infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects 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 likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, 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 3.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,989 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Marcoola is 61.9%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries employing locals are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population counts.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, Marcoola's labour force decreased by 2.5%, with employment decreasing by 2.1%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. Conversely, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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

Marcoola's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income at $48,023 and average income at $63,892. This is lower than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Marcoola's income growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index increase, would be approximately $52,782 (median) and $70,224 (average). Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Marcoola between the 28th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 31.8% of residents fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, consistent with broader regional trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Marcoola, with only 79.6% of income remaining, 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, had 43.4% houses and 56.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marcoola was at 29.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (41.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. The median weekly rent figure in Marcoola was $406, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Marcoola's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $406 compared to the national figure of $375.

Marcoola features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical 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 account for the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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; 24.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (30.2%).

Educational participation is notably high; 27.8% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, 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 active public transport stops, all serving buses. Two routes operate here, together offering 426 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 179 meters to the nearest stop.

These routes run approximately 60 trips per day and 20 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Marcoola are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Marcoola shows below-average health indicators, with common conditions more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover rate is approximately 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (around 1,961 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (9.3%) and arthritis (8.3%), while 68.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of Qld. Marcoola has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.7% (772 people), compared to the 24.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Marcoola had a below-average cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.8%), and speaking English only at home (94.3%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.0%. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, Scottish (9.5%) and Dutch (1.7%) were also overrepresented in Marcoola compared to regional averages of 9.1% and 1.4%, respectively.

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 are prominent at 16.6%, while those aged 5-14 are relatively smaller at 10.2% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Since the Census in 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.7% to 13.4%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.7% to 6.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.2% to 13.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Marcoola's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 15%, reaching 574 people from the current 500. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.