Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Maroochy River has an estimated 1,838 residents, up from 1,667 at the 2021 Census — a change of 171 people, or 10.3%. Growth has averaged 1.8% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 62.0% of that increase. Density is about 71 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS demographic releases and post-Census address validations, the suburb of Maroochy River has an estimated population of approximately 1,838 as of Aug 2026. This represents a gain of 171 people (10.3%) from the 1,667 people counted at the 2021 Census. This adjustment stems from an estimated resident population of 1,828 determined via the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025), alongside 41 validated new addresses identified following the Census. The resulting population density stands at 71 persons per square kilometer, offering ample physical space per resident alongside capacity for potential expansion.
With a 10.3% post-2021 Census expansion rate, the suburb of Maroochy River outpaced both the Rest of Qld benchmark (9.4%) and the nationwide pace, establishing itself as a local growth frontrunner. Net interstate migration served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 62.0% of total demographic additions in recent times, supplemented by positive inflows from natural increase and overseas arrivals. For demographic modelling, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections across SA2 locations, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. Where SA2 coverage is absent or extends beyond 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 projections (issued in 2023 using 2021 data) are implemented. Because these state forecasts lack age-specific breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional age-cohort weighting derived from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 data). Long-term demographic forecasts indicate that the suburb of Maroochy River will experience growth above the national non-metropolitan median, with aggregated SA2-level figures projecting a rise of 287 persons by 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 15.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
74 new dwellings have been approved in Maroochy River over the past five years, an average of 14 a year. That is 3.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An evaluation of ABS building approval records mapped to statistical areas shows the suburb of Maroochy River averaging roughly 14 residential development approvals annually, accumulating to approximately 74 homes throughout the preceding 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 5 approvals have been documented. Over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 through FY-25), the ratio of 5.1 new residents added per constructed residence indicates that underlying demand significantly outstrips new construction volume, an imbalance that commonly drives property appreciation and heightened competition. Newly approved residences reflect an average construction cost of $564,000, while commercial development approvals totaling $784,000 this financial year reinforce the area's predominantly residential character.
Per capita residential development approvals in the suburb of Maroochy River run at approximately two-thirds the level observed across Rest of Qld, placing the locality in the 32nd percentile nationwide and restricting buyer options while reinforcing demand across the established property market. This below-average national standing highlights the established nature of the area and hints at prospective urban planning limitations. In terms of composition, detached houses represent 83.0% of approved construction, while townhouses or apartments constitute 17.0%, sustaining low-density living and drawing buyers seeking spacious properties. A ratio of roughly 455 residents per residential approval further underscores the restrained pace of local building activity. According to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures, the suburb of Maroochy River is forecast to add 277 residents by 2041. Assuming ongoing building activity levels persist, residential supply is projected to sufficiently satisfy buyer demand, fostering favorable purchasing conditions while potentially facilitating growth beyond baseline projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Maroochy River
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 54 current infrastructure and development projects close to Maroochy River, worth an estimated $3.33 billion. 9 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and tourism. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure investment and strategic town planning exert a significant influence on property and community growth. AreaSearch has highlighted 2 projects anticipated to shape the local environment. Notable initiatives comprise Hillside Retreat Estate, Bli Bli Major Sport and Recreation Precinct, Nambour Waste Precinct Project, and Nambour General Hospital Redevelopment, with key details outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Good Samaritan Catholic College Expansion
Ongoing multi stage expansion of Good Samaritan Catholic College in Bli Bli, a Brisbane Catholic Education school growing toward about 1,500 students. Stage 4 delivered a new two storey secondary building with seven classrooms, a walkway link between existing blocks, internal upgrades to five other buildings, an expanded car park and a new emergency vehicle turnaround zone, and has now been completed. In November 2025 the College secured Block Grant Authority funding for a Stage 5 building project, which will deliver a new Health Hub for senior students pursuing health and medical pathways, a Year 7 Transition Precinct, additional secondary classrooms, expanded library space, enhanced learning support areas, extra administration space and new covered lunch areas.The project is in early design and planning ahead of formal development approval.
Hillside Retreat Estate
Boutique residential land development offering 15 lots positioned in lush countryside with north-easterly views of Mount Coolum. Features thoughtfully engineered topography for easy building solutions ranging from slab on ground to split level and pole home builds. Adjacent to 7805m2 council reserve ensuring protected views. Stage 1 sold out, Stage 2 selling now with only 6 lots remaining. Titles registration forecast for August 2025.
Parklakes 2 Estate - Final Stage
Completion of the final land release within the Parklakes 2 masterplanned community in Bli Bli, delivering residential lots around lakes, green space, walking trails and a central park with local cafe access. Parklakes 1 and 2 are now completed, with the last release concluding the estate.
Halcyon Lakeside
Award-winning over-50s lifestyle community featuring 232 architecturally designed homes with panoramic lakeside views, resort-style amenities including heated pool, tennis court, bowling green, gym, cinema, and community center. Located in growing coastal suburb of Bli Bli with secure gated living and maintenance-free lifestyle.
Park Rise Estate Stage 2
Stage 2 of Park Rise Estate in Bli Bli has been completed, delivering 12 build-ready land lots averaging about 700 sqm each. The broader estate totals 47 lots around Camelot Court off Camp Flat Road, within walking distance of Good Samaritan Catholic College. Lots were marketed from about $595,000 and the developer reported strong interest on completion.
Bli Bli Major Sport and Recreation Precinct
Major future sporting and recreation precinct spanning over 130 hectares at Bli Bli, aimed at fostering healthy communities while supporting floodplain management in the Blue Heart area. The project includes land acquired in 2021 (97ha) and 2023 (37ha) and is part of Council's long-term strategy to maintain five hectares of sport and recreation land per 1000 residents. Still in early planning stages with facilities expected to be years away from construction.
Yandina Central Expansion & Childcare Centre
An integrated expansion of the Yandina Shopping Centre featuring a 2500sqm full-line IGA supermarket, specialty retail tenancies, and outdoor dining. The 2025 project scope was expanded to include a 112-place modern childcare centre at the adjacent 3-7 Old Gympie Road site. The facility includes seven activity rooms and four outdoor play areas, designed to share access and parking with the main retail hub to create a community precinct.
Yandina Village
Residential masterplanned community project in central Yandina. A minor change to an existing development approval at 1-11 Old Gympie Road was recorded by Sunshine Coast Council, indicating the project is currently in planning and subject to ongoing council processes.
882 residents of Maroochy River are employed, from a labour force of 912. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, with participation at 60.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce data aggregated by AreaSearch across statistical boundaries reveals a skilled local labor pool in the suburb of Maroochy River, characterized by an exceptionally prominent construction sector and a low unemployment rate of 3.3%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 882, the local jobless rate sits 0.6% lower than Regional Qld's 3.9%, and the labor force participation rate stands at 60.5%, slightly trailing the Regional Qld benchmark of 64.2%. Census figures also indicate that 18.6% of local workers performed their duties from home, taking into account the broader context of Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors among local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The local workforce exhibits a distinctive concentration in construction, where participation is 1.5 times the broader regional benchmark. In contrast, public administration & safety accounts for just 2.6% of workers, compared to the regional figure of 5.9%. A comparison of Census workplace destinations against resident worker counts suggests that the immediate locality offers relatively constrained on-site employment opportunities. AreaSearch's analysis of ABS and SALM statistical data indicates that over the 12-month period, the local labor pool contracted by 3.4% and total employment fell by 4.1%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, the labor force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment tick up by 0.1 percentage points. National workforce modeling published by Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provides broader context for future employment demand in the suburb of Maroochy River. Applying these five- and ten-year national industry forecasts—which project overall job growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years—to the local industry profile points to potential employment expansion of 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this weighted calculation serves illustrative purposes and excludes localized population dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Maroochy River is $2,152 a week (about $112,000 a year), with median personal income at $827 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,885 a year against an average of $66,397. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxation statistics for financial year 2023 aggregated by AreaSearch at the postcode level show the suburb of Maroochy River recording a median taxpayer income of $51,885 and an average income of $66,397. These metrics sit slightly below nationwide figures and align closely with Regional Qld figures of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Factoring in the 11.36% Wage Price Index increase since financial year 2023, modeled figures reach roughly $57,779 for median income and $73,940 for average income as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household earnings positioned the suburb in the 75th percentile ($2,152 weekly), with individual earnings at the 54th percentile.
Earnings distribution shows 36.5% of residents (670 people) falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the 31.7% share across the surrounding region. Furthermore, 31.6% of households generate high weekly incomes above $3,000, underpinning strong consumer spending. Residents keep 87.3% of earnings after meeting accommodation expenses, reflecting substantial spending power, while the area achieves a 7th decile ranking on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Maroochy River had 543 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 2% apartments. 45% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $460 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 21.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to findings from the most recent Census, the residential landscape in the suburb of Maroochy River was overwhelmingly dominated by separate houses at 96.7%, with other dwellings (apartments, semi-detached, and 'other' accommodation types) comprising 3.3%, compared to Regional Qld's distribution of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Outright home ownership reached 40.6%, substantially exceeding the Regional Qld average, while mortgaged properties accounted for 45.3% and rental accommodation made up 14.1%. Typical monthly mortgage repayments stood at $2,000 and median weekly rents were $460, outpacing Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345 respectively.
On a nationwide basis, local mortgage commitments surpass the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and local rental costs sit considerably above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Maroochy River counted 543 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 599 today, averaging 2.9 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 78% of areas nationally, against 37% couples without children. 13% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family arrangements constitute 84.9% of all households in the suburb of Maroochy River, consisting of couples with children (39.4%), couples without children (37.2%), and single parent households (8.1%). Non-family living situations account for the remaining 15.1%, encompassing single-person households at 12.7% and group living arrangements at 2.6%. The typical household size stands at 2.9 people, exceeding the Regional Qld benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.4% of adults in Maroochy River hold a university qualification, including 15.9% with a bachelor degree and 5.4% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 29.6% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment levels in the suburb of Maroochy River sit below national figures, with 24.4% of residents aged 15+ holding higher education degrees compared to 30.4% across Australia, indicating opportunities for further qualifications growth. Bachelor degree holders account for 15.9% of the adult population, while postgraduate degrees represent 5.4% and graduate diplomas make up 3.1%. Vocational and trade training is widespread, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, divided between certificates (29.6%) and advanced diplomas (13.0%). Active participation in study is prominent across the suburb of Maroochy River, where 27.7% of the community is currently undertaking formal education.
This enrollment consists of 11.1% in primary schooling, 8.5% attending secondary institutions, and 3.9% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Maroochy River means driving: households keep an average of 2.1 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.0% of residents in Maroochy River report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 75% of areas nationally. 3.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments compiled by AreaSearch indicate positive well-being throughout the suburb of Maroochy River, marked by low chronic disease rates and favorable mortality statistics across all age brackets, alongside a private health insurance coverage rate of approximately 54% (~983 people) that slightly surpasses the SA2 average. Arthritis and mental health conditions represent the most frequently reported diagnoses in the suburb of Maroochy River, each impacting 7.7% of the population, while 72.0% of locals reported no long-term medical conditions whatsoever, exceeding the 67.6% recorded across Regional Qld. Health metrics are notably strong among residents under 65.
The community includes 406 seniors aged 65 and over, making up 22.1% of the population compared to 20.3% across Regional Qld, with local elderly residents achieving health rankings that exceed national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Maroochy River is largely Australian-born, at 81.9% of residents, with 2.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.6%) and Australian (27.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in the suburb of Maroochy River sit below broad benchmarks, with Australian-born residents accounting for 81.9% of the population, Australian citizens comprising 90.9%, and 97.6% of households using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 51.2% of the local population, in line with the 52.2% proportion observed across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestral background based on parental birthplace, the leading lineages in the suburb of Maroochy River are English (33.6%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.3%). Several other backgrounds exhibit higher local presence than regional figures, including German at 4.8% (versus 4.7% regionally), Scottish at 8.8% (versus 7.8%), and South Australian at 0.9% (versus 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Maroochy River is 42. 17.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions in the suburb of Maroochy River closely parallel Regional Qld patterns, with the largest divergence across the four broad age categories measuring 6.4 percentage points. As at August 2026, AreaSearch calculates a median age of 42 years, identical to the 2021 Census figure and 1 year older than the Regional Qld median of 41 recorded at that time. Since the Census, the proportion of residents aged 65+ has increased from 15.3% to an estimated 22.1%. Long-term forecasts to 2041 indicate the largest demographic expansion will occur within this senior and retiree bracket, which is projected to grow by 85 residents (21%) to reach 491.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Maroochy River
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 41 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,667 at the 2021 Census → 1,838 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31771). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.