Maroochy River

Population growth drivers in Maroochy River are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Maroochy River statistical area's population was estimated at around 1,868 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 201 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,667 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,830 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 72 persons per square kilometer. The Maroochy River's 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data were adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth for locations outside capital cities was projected. The Maroochy River (SA2) was expected to grow by 337 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.3% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Maroochy River has experienced approximately 14 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 71 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3.4 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over these five years.

Consequently, demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is approximately $534,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, $784,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maroochy River shows moderately higher construction activity, at 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. All developments in the area recently have been detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count of 604 people per dwelling approval reflects this quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Maroochy River is expected to grow by approximately 305 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives 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 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Maroochy River well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Maroochy River has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominently represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025958 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Maroochy River stands at 65.5%, exceeding Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include healthcare & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, the area has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 2.6% of Maroochy River's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 5.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population versus resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.3% and employment declined by 1.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Maroochy River's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations based on simple weighting and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Maroochy River's median income among taxpayers was $51,885, with an average of $66,397. Nationally, the median was higher at $54,253 and the average was $74,639. In Rest of Qld, the median was $53,146 and the average was $66,593. From financial year 2023 to September 2025, Maroochy River's median income is estimated to be approximately $57,027 and the average $72,977, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth. Census data shows household income ranks at the 75th percentile ($2,152 weekly), with personal income at the 54th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 36.5% of residents (681 people). Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 31.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of income. 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 remaining dwellings either mortgaged (45.3%) or rented (14.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, surpassing 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 constitute 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 the remaining 15.1%, with lone person households at 12.7% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is 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

Educational qualifications in Maroochy River trail regional benchmarks show that 24.4% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.6% of residents aged 15 years and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.6%). Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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 above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 54%, which is higher than the average SA2 area's 50.2%.

This compares to an approximate population of 999 people in Maroochy River. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 7.7% of residents respectively. A total of 72.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to the Rest of Qld's 66.0%. Maroochy River has an elderly population (aged 65 and over) of 18.6%, comprising approximately 347 people. Health outcomes for seniors in this area are notably strong, outperforming those of the general population in health 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, as of a specific census date, showed low cultural diversity: 81.9% were born in Australia, 90.9% were citizens, and 97.6% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 51.2%, compared to 46.0% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.6%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, South African, German, and Scottish ethnicities showed slight variations: South African at 0.9% vs regional 0.5%, German at 4.8% vs 5.1%, and Scottish at 8.8% vs 8.7%.

Maroochy River's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 year-olds are under-represented at 6.9%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.2% to 6.1%, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 8.3% to 6.9%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 16.9% to 15.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Maroochy River. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand by 60 people (21%), from 283 to 344. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 0%, adding only 0 residents.