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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Maroochydore's population is estimated at around 23,572 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,943 people (14.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,629 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 22,583, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 1,367 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,810 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Maroochydore's 14.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.8%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 7,073 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Maroochydore experienced around 341 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,707 homes were approved, with an additional 222 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five financial years, the area saw an average of 1.7 people moving to Maroochydore for each dwelling built, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new homes was $804,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $177.8 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maroochydore shows 105.0% higher construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers despite recent easing in construction activity. This activity is significantly above the national average, demonstrating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 19.0% standalone homes and 81.0% medium to high-density housing, providing affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 80 people per dwelling approval, Maroochydore exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Future projections estimate Maroochydore adding 5,926 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Maroochydore has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include The Millwell, Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Coordination Plan, SOL by Walker, and Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. Below is a list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, Maroochydore has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Maroochydore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.7%.

This rate is 0.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Maroochydore is somewhat below standard at 54.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Employment specialization in accommodation & food is particularly high, with a 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 ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. From June 2024 to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.4%, while employment declined by 0.9%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Maroochydore. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Maroochydore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Maroochydore had a median taxpayer income of $48,552 and an average income of $62,437 in the financial year 2022. This was lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median being $50,780 and average being $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would reach approximately $55,344 and average income around $71,172, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile ($771 weekly), with household income at the 24th percentile. Income distribution shows 29.6% (6,977 individuals) falling within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining, 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, comprised 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 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.8% and rented ones at 44.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in Maroochydore was $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420. Nationally, Maroochydore's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $410 compared to 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 within the region, with university qualification rates of 26.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing 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%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 25.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 6.6% in primary, 6.6% in tertiary, and 5.6% in secondary education. Six schools operate within Maroochydore, educating approximately 2,327 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1025) offering balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between two primary and four secondary institutions. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Maroochydore has 53 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 2,106 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located just 267 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are approximately 300 bus trips across all routes, which works out to around 39 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 significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, or about 12,243 people, slightly higher than the average SA2 area's rate. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%). Conversely, 64.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.2% in Rest of Qld. Notably, Maroochydore has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.7%, or 6,529 people, compared to the Rest of Qld's 24.4%.

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

Maroochydore, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 data, 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 people. Notably, Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.1% of Maroochydore's population identifying as such.

Regarding ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three groups were English at 32.6%, Australian at 22.6%, and Irish at 9.5%. There were notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was slightly overrepresented at 4.7% compared to the regional average of 4.8%, New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 1.0%), and Scottish at 8.8% (vs 9.1%).

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

Maroochydore's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Maroochydore has a higher percentage 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 those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 14.0% to 12.5%, and the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, Maroochydore's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 35%, adding 1,375 people and reaching a total of 5,312 from the current 3,936. The 55 to 64 age group is expected to grow by 2%, adding only 66 residents.