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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
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Maroochy River has an estimated 1,837 residents, up from 1,667 at the 2021 Census — a change of 170 people, or 10.2%. 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
Analysis of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside newly validated addresses recorded by AreaSearch since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Maroochy River stands at approximately 1,837 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 170 people (10.2%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,667 individuals. The updated estimate is derived from a resident baseline of 1,827 computed by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level yields a density ratio of 70 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density footprint with substantial space per resident and capacity for future development.
The suburb of Maroochy River's 10.2% growth rate since the 2021 census outperformed the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national benchmark, making it a regional leader in population growth. Gains were driven mostly by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 62.0% of the overall increase, though natural growth and overseas arrivals also made positive contributions. AreaSearch utilizes projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline for each SA2 area. For localities not covered by these datasets, or for periods extending past 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used instead. Because the state government data lacks age-specific breakdowns, AreaSearch scales cohort growth proportionally based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which use a 2022 baseline. Based on these demographic models, population growth for locations outside major metropolitan areas is expected to exceed the median, with the suburb of Maroochy River projected to add 290 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 15.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
63 new dwellings have been approved in Maroochy River over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 7.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, 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
According to building approval figures from the ABS compiled by AreaSearch, the suburb of Maroochy River has averaged roughly 12 new home approvals per year, summing to approximately 63 residential approvals over the last 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 4 approvals have been logged. Over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, new home completions coincided with an average population increase of 2.4 people per year for every new dwelling constructed, demonstrating solid demand that supports local real estate values. Developers are targeting more affluent buyers, as evidenced by an average approved new home value of $568,000.
Conversely, commercial projects total just $784,000 for the current financial year, showing very quiet commercial construction activity. The rate of building approvals per capita in the suburb of Maroochy River remains closely aligned with the Rest of Qld, indicating a balanced market, though residential building pace has dropped off in recent times. All recent residential development has consisted of detached houses, maintaining the low-density landscape and providing spacious options popular with families. The ratio of 727 people in the community for every single building approval highlights the quiet, slow-paced construction environment. Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Maroochy River will gain 280 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. The current rate of home building is expected to easily accommodate this growth, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially laying the groundwork for expansion beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Maroochy River
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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 11 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
Public works, development planning, and local infrastructure projects are key drivers of regional economic growth. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects that are expected to impact the suburb. Notable developments include the Hillside Retreat Estate, the Bli Bli Major Sport and Recreation Precinct, the Nambour Waste Precinct Project, and the Nambour General Hospital Redevelopment, with details of the most relevant projects provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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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.
891 residents of Maroochy River are employed, from a labour force of 920. Unemployment sits at 3.2%, with participation at 61.3%. 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
A highly qualified labor force characterizes the suburb of Maroochy River, with construction workers representing a key segment of the local economy. The unemployment rate is low at 3.2%. As of March 2026891 residents are employed. This jobless rate sits 0.8% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, while the local participation rate of 61.3% is somewhat lower than the Regional Qld average of 64.3%. Census data indicates a moderate 18.6% of working residents performed their jobs from home, although this figure was likely influenced by temporary pandemic restrictions. The local workforce is primarily employed in healthcare & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
The suburb of Maroochy River exhibits a strong concentration in the construction industry, where its share of employment is 1.5 times the average for the region. On the other hand, public administration & safety has a minor presence at 2.6%, compared to 5.9% across the region. A comparison between the resident workforce and the number of local jobs recorded in the Census indicates that local employment opportunities within the suburb itself are limited. Based on SALM and ABS data analyzed by AreaSearch, the labor force in the area shrank by 3.3% over a 12-month period, while total employment fell by 3.9%, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. For comparison, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% expansion of the labor force, and a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. Future employment trends can be evaluated using national forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future employment paths. Locally, employment is projected to grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, mirroring the national projections which forecast wider expansions of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively, though actual growth will vary by sector.
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
Taxpayer statistics from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in the suburb of Maroochy River are marginally lower than the national average. The median income for local taxpayers is $51,885, while the average income is $66,397, compared to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $57,779 for median income and $73,940 for average income. In the 2021 Census, local household incomes ranked in the 75th percentile ($2,152 weekly), while individual incomes placed in the 54th percentile.
In terms of distribution, 36.5% of the population (670 people) earn weekly incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, which is comparable to the 31.7% recorded regionally in this bracket. High-income earners making over $3,000 weekly account for 31.6% of residents, demonstrating strong spending capacity. After meeting mortgage or rent obligations, households keep 87.3% of their earnings, and the area is positioned in the 7th decile of the SEIFA 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
Housing options in the suburb of Maroochy River consist of 96.7% separate houses and 3.3% alternative dwellings such as townhouses, apartments, or other structures, contrasting with Regional Qld where houses make up 76.4% and other dwellings comprise 23.6%. Home ownership is high, with 40.6% of properties owned outright, while 45.3% are mortgaged and 14.1% are occupied by tenants. The median mortgage payment of $2,000 per month is higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median rent of $460 per week compares to the regional figure of $345.
On a national level, monthly mortgage payments exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Maroochy River counted 543 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 598 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
Families make up the vast majority of households at 84.9%, consisting of couples with children at 39.4%, couples without children at 37.2%, and single-parent households at 8.1%. The remaining 15.1% of households are non-family living arrangements, with single-person households representing 12.7% and group houses accounting for 2.6%. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Regional Qld average 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
The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in the suburb of Maroochy River is lower than regional and national levels, with 24.4% of citizens aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 15.9%, postgraduate degrees are held by 5.4%, and graduate diplomas account for 3.1%. Vocational qualifications are common, with 42.6% of the population aged 15+ holding a technical certificate or diploma, consisting of 13.0% with advanced diplomas and 29.6% with certificates. A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in an educational institution.
Primary school students account for 11.1% of residents, secondary students make up 8.5%, and tertiary students represent 3.9%.
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 indicators compiled by AreaSearch reveal excellent physical well-being across the suburb of Maroochy River, characterized by low mortality rates and minimal rates of chronic disease across all age demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area, standing at approximately 54% of residents, or roughly 982 people. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues locally, each affecting 7.7% of the population, while 72.0% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes for residents under the age of 65 are better than average.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 20.8% of the local population (382 people), and the health profiles of these seniors rank higher nationally than the general population.
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
The suburb of Maroochy River has a relatively low level of cultural diversity, with 81.9% of residents born in Australia, 90.9% holding citizenship, and 97.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, practiced by 51.2% of the local population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The primary ancestries reported by residents in the suburb of Maroochy River are English at 33.6%, Australian at 27.5%, and Irish at 9.3%. There are also differences in representation compared to the wider region, with German ancestry at 4.8% (versus 4.7% regionally), Scottish ancestry at 8.8% (versus 7.8% regionally), and South Australian ancestry overrepresented at 0.9% (versus 0.5% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Maroochy River is 42. 18.0% 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
The median age of residents in the suburb of Maroochy River is 42 years, which is close to the Regional Qld median of 41 and higher than the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age group is overrepresented locally at 15.2% of the population, while the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 6.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.2% to 6.9%, and the 65 to 74 group has expanded from 9.7% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 8.3% to 6.6%, and the 55 to 64 cohort dropped from 16.9% to 15.2%.
Looking ahead to 2041, demographic models project significant shifts, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 58 people (22%) from 266 to 325, while the 15 to 24 age bracket is expected to remain stable, adding only 1 residents.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 40 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,667 at the 2021 Census → 1,837 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 May 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.