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 Feb 2026, the population of Maroochydore is estimated at around 23,127. This reflects an increase of 2,498 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 20,629. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 22,653 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 1,370 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,776 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Maroochydore's growth rate of 12.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (8.1%) and Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Maroochydore expected to increase by 7,079 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.6% 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 343 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,716 homes were approved, with an additional 250 so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, suggesting balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and new homes being constructed at an average value of $804,000, indicative of a focus on premium developments.

This year, Maroochydore has recorded $180.7 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maroochydore shows 106.0% higher construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers but with recent easing of construction activity. This high activity 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 to high-density housing, providing 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 shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 78 people per dwelling approval, Maroochydore exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Maroochydore adding 6,385 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Future projections show Maroochydore adding 6,385 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch 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.

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 impacting the area. Key projects include The Millwell, Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Coordination Plan, SOL by Walker, and Sunshine Coast Public Transport Project (Coastal Corridor). Below is a list detailing 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. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 11,710 residents are employed while the unemployment rate aligns with Rest of Qld's rate at 4.1%.

However, workforce participation lags significantly at 60.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Based on Census responses, 15.5% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Maroochydore has a particular specialization 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 ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6%, with a simultaneous 1.8% decline in employment, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 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 indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

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. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $53,364 and the average income $68,625, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 43rd percentile with a weekly income of $771, while household income is at the 24th percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.6% of the population (6,845 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile. The suburb'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

In Maroochydore, as per the latest Census evaluation, 37.8% of dwellings were houses while 62.2% were other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maroochydore stood at 32.8%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with the rest either mortgaged (22.8%) or rented (44.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Maroochydore was $410, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 41.3%, consisting of 34.3% lone person households and 7.0% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 at 26.3%, 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 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% currently enrolled in formal education, including 6.6% in primary, 6.6% in tertiary, and 5.6% in secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Maroochydore indicates there are currently 58 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 12 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 1,912 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 264 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transport remains car usage at 87%, while walking accounts for 6% of trips.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), approximately 15.5% of residents work from home. The service frequency across all routes averages 273 trips per day, equating to roughly 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Maroochydore's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Maroochydore's health metrics closely match national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups, affecting approximately 12,012 people. Private health cover is present in about 52% of the total population, which is lower than the average for SA2 areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%). About 64.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 28.1% of residents aged 65 and over (6,498 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Overall, national rankings are broadly in line with the general population.

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 Australian Census of 2016, had 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, accounting for 48.7% of people. Judaism, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.1% of Maroochydore's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 32.6%, Australian at 22.6%, and Irish at 9.5%. Notably, German (4.7%), New Zealand (0.9%), and Scottish (8.8%) ethnicities had higher representation in Maroochydore compared to regional averages.

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

Maroochydore's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Maroochydore has a higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds at 17.0% but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 6.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.4% to 17.0%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 9.0% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 14.0% to 12.0% and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.5%. By 2041, Maroochydore's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 35%, adding 1,378 people and reaching a total of 5,310 from the current 3,931. The 15-24 group is expected to grow more modestly at 7%, with an increase of 164 residents.