Maroochydore

Maroochydore lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Maroochydore statistical area (Lv2) is around 23,123. This reflects an increase of 2,494 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,629. The change is inferred from the resident population of 22,653 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 1,367 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,776 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Maroochydore (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 12.1% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, exceeding the SA3 area's 8.0% growth during this period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the Maroochydore (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so 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. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecasted for the Maroochydore (SA2), with an expected increase of 7,080 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.6% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

The level of residential development activity in Maroochydore was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Maroochydore has experienced around 343 dwellings receiving development approval annually. An estimated 1,716 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26250 dwellings have received approval.

On average, 1.7 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $804,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26 alone, $180.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maroochydore shows 106.0% higher construction activity per person, providing greater choice for buyers despite recent easing of construction activity. This level is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 19.0% standalone homes and 81.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the current housing mix of 38.0% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 78 people per dwelling approval, Maroochydore exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maroochydore is projected to add 6,382 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include The Millwell, Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Coordination Plan, SOL by Walker, and Sunshine Coast Public Transport Project (Coastal Corridor). Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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Maroochydore has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Maroochydore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%, as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 11,714 residents are employed while the unemployment rate mirrors Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 54.2%, lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Maroochydore specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.9 indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.5%, with a 1.8% employment decline, leading to a 0.8 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, accompanied by a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data up to 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 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maroochydore's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% in five years and 14.1% in ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Maroochydore had a median taxpayer income of $48,552 and an average income of $62,437 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than national averages; Rest of Qld's median income was $53,146 with an average income of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $53,364 (median) and $68,625 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($771 weekly), while household income sits at the 24th percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of Maroochydore's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region where 31.7% are in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe; only 79.9% of income remains after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Maroochydore displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Maroochydore's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 37.8% houses and 62.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochydore was at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.8% and rented ones at 44.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. Weekly rent was recorded at $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Maroochydore's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Maroochydore features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.7% of all households, including 14.6% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.3%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households making up 7.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

The educational profile of Maroochydore exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 26.3% among residents aged 15+ exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (25.6%).

Educational participation is high at 25.3%, including 6.6% in primary education, 6.6% in tertiary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Maroochydore has 54 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,912 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average living 264 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 273 trips per day, which translates to roughly 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maroochydore is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Maroochydore faces substantial health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~12,010 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (8.8%). Only 64.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of Qld. Maroochydore has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.6% (6,381 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 24.4%.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Maroochydore was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Maroochydore, as per the Census conducted on 27 June 2016, exhibited above-average cultural diversity with 11.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.4% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Maroochydore, comprising 48.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.1% of Maroochydore's population identifying as such.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (32.6%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (9.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: German was slightly overrepresented at 4.7%, New Zealand at 0.9%, and Scottish at 8.8%.

Maroochydore hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Maroochydore's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld's median age of 41 and also higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maroochydore has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 15.4% to 16.7%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 14.0% to 12.5%, and the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, Maroochydore is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 38%, reaching 5,311 residents from a current total of 3,861. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow more modestly, adding only 124 residents.