Mollymook Beach

Population growth drivers in Mollymook Beach are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since May 2026, Mollymook Beach's estimated population stands at approximately 2,375. This figure represents a decrease of 156 individuals (6.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,531. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's resident population figure of 2,344, derived from examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 711 persons per square kilometer, roughly aligning with averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration drove recent population growth, accounting for approximately 65.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022, using 2021 as the base year, are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, Mollymook Beach is forecasted to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to rise by 604 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 24.1% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Mollymook Beach, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Mollymook Beach has experienced approximately 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 36 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 so far.

Despite population decline over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, maintaining a balanced market with good buyer choice. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings averaging $672,000 in construction cost value. Comparatively, Mollymook Beach has significantly less development activity than the Rest of NSW, at 57.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although building activity has accelerated recently. The area's development level is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, currently 90.0% houses, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Mollymook Beach reflects a low density area, with approximately 209 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 573 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mollymook Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified two projects that could significantly influence the local area's performance. These key projects are South Mollymook Coastal Protection Works, Motel Molly, Managing Growth in Ulladulla, Milton and Surrounds, and Milton Ulladulla Bypass. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Mollymook Beach significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Mollymook Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025923 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Mollymook Beach is 47.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 18.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.9% of Mollymook Beach's workforce compared to 5.3% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points in Mollymook Beach. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, the labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mollymook Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Mollymook Beach had a median taxpayer income of $45,252 and an average income of $60,570. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively across Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $49,922 and $66,821 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, Mollymook Beach's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 16th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.6% of the community (679 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the regional pattern where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest with 87.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 20th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Mollymook Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Mollymook Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 89.7% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. In Regional NSW, this was recorded as 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Mollymook Beach stood at 59.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.5% and rented ones at 17.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700 as of this date, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380. In comparison, Regional NSW had average mortgage repayments of $1,733 and rents of $330 during the same period. Nationally, Mollymook Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863 recorded in 2016, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Mollymook Beach has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 69.6% of all households, including 18.7% couples with children, 42.9% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Mollymook Beach places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 27.7%, exceeding the SA3 area average of 19.0% and that of Rest of NSW (21.3%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (28.4%).

A significant 22.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.4% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

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

Mollymook Beach has 27 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that combined offer 96 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 216 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car, at a rate of 96%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 18.9% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Mollymook Beach's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's health outcomes data for Mollymook Beach shows excellent results.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,209 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis (13.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%). Sixty-two percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population were broadly typical. Mollymook Beach has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.8% (897 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Seniors' health outcomes are particularly strong, with national rankings in line with the general population.

Mollymook Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Mollymook Beach had low cultural diversity, with 84.7% born in Australia and 91.2% citizens. English was spoken by 96.3% at home. Christianity dominated with 53.6%.

Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%. Top ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (11.7%). Scottish, Hungarian, and Welsh groups were notably higher than regional averages.

Mollymook Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Mollymook Beach is 56 years, notably exceeding Regional NSW's average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 22.0%, compared to Regional NSW's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 6.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.5% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.7% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Mollymook Beach's age structure, with the 75-84 cohort showing the strongest projected growth at 35%, adding 105 residents to reach a total of 402.