Maroochy River

Maroochy River lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Maroochy River is around 1,872. This reflects a growth of 205 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,667. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,849 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 72 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 12.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area average of 8.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 335 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Maroochy River recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Maroochy River had around 13 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 65 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26. This results in about 3.7 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $568,000. In FY-26, $3.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating Maroochy River's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Maroochy River shows moderately higher development activity, with 12.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and focus on family homes. The estimated count of 453 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Maroochy River is expected to grow by 299 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Maroochy River has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Hillside Retreat Estate, Bli Bli Major Sport and Recreation Precinct, Sunshine Motorway Duplication (Pacific Paradise to Coolum), and Sunshine Motorway Duplication (Pacific Paradise to Coolum). 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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AreaSearch analysis reveals Maroochy River significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Maroochy River has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025968 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Maroochy River is high at 65.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented at 2.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 5.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as Census data shows fewer working residents than locals. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Maroochy River's labour force decreased by 2.1%, with employment declining by 1.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest future demand within Maroochy River. Applying these projections to the local employment mix indicates a potential growth in local employment by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Maroochy River's median income among taxpayers is $51,849. The average income in the area was $66,197 during this period. This places Maroochy River slightly above the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 for the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates suggest Maroochy River's median income would be approximately $59,103 and average income around $75,458. Census data shows household income in Maroochy River ranks at the 75th percentile ($2,152 weekly), while personal income is at the 54th percentile. The majority of residents (683 people, or 36.5%) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. Notably, a substantial presence of higher earners is evident, with 31.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents in Maroochy River retain 87.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Maroochy River is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Maroochy River, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 82.9% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochy River was at 40.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.3%) or rented (14.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,777. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $460, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $385. Nationally, Maroochy River's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Maroochy River features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 84.9% of all households, including 39.4% couples with children, 37.2% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 15.1%, consisting of 12.7% lone person households and 2.6% group households. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

In Maroochy River trail region, 24.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.6% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.0% and certificates at 29.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Maroochy River is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Maroochy River shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence rates of common health conditions. Approximately 53% (~1000 individuals) have private health cover, higher than Rest of Qld's 49.8%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and mental health issues (7.7%). Notably, 72.0% report being free from medical ailments compared to the Rest of Qld's 66.0%. The area has an 18.5% senior population (346 individuals), with seniors exhibiting strong health outcomes that surpass general population metrics.

Maroochy River is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Maroochy River's population, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 81.9% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Maroochy River's religion landscape at 51.2%, compared to the regional average of 46.0%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notable differences existed in South African (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), German (4.8% vs 5.1%), and Scottish (8.8% vs 8.7%) representation.

Maroochy River hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Maroochy River is 42 years, close to the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Queensland average, the 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented at 15.7% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.9%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.2% to 6.1% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age cohort declined from 8.3% to 6.9%, and the 55 to 64 age group decreased from 16.9% to 15.7%. Population forecasts for Maroochy River indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand notably, growing by 59 people (21%) from 284 to 344. The 15 to 24 age group displays more modest growth at 1%, adding only 1 resident.