Mollymook Beach

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

As of November 2025, Mollymook Beach's population is estimated at around 2,380. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 2,531 people, a drop of 151 individuals (6.0%). The current estimate is based on AreaSearch validation of new addresses and examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 2,346 for Mollymook Beach and its surrounding areas. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 712 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending in 2021, Mollymook Beach demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year, for areas covered by this data. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year are utilized. By 2041, Mollymook Beach is forecasted to experience significant population growth, increasing by 746 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an increase of 40.3% in total over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Mollymook Beach has recorded around 5 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 26 homes were approved, with no new approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 6.2 new residents per year are associated with each home built during these years, suggesting demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

In the current financial year, there have been $286,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mollymook Beach has notably lower building activity, being 70.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, with this level also under the national average, indicating the established nature of the area and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% attached dwellings, a shift from current housing patterns which are predominantly houses (90.0%). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Population forecasts suggest Mollymook Beach will gain 959 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase buyer competition and support stronger price growth.

Mollymook Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area performance is significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: South Mollymook Coastal Protection Works, Motel Molly, Managing Growth in Ulladulla, Milton and Surrounds, and Milton Ulladulla Bypass.

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 of employment trends sees Mollymook Beach performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Mollymook Beach has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 0.7% as of June 2025.

This represents an employment growth of 2.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there are 1,032 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Mollymook Beach lags at 44.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.9% of Mollymook Beach's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Mollymook Beach's local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Mollymook Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $45,252. The average income stood at $60,570. This is lower than national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,958 (median) and $68,208 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Mollymook Beach all fall between the 16th and 25th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.6% of the community (680 individuals), similar to the broader area at 29.9%. Housing costs are modest with 87.2% of income retained. However, 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 per the latest Census, comprised 89.7% houses and 10.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mollymook Beach was 59.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.5% and rented dwellings at 17.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Mollymook Beach was $380, higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $350. Nationally, Mollymook Beach's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,700 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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 of 27.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 19.0% and that of Rest of NSW at 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.8% while certificates make up 28.4%.

A significant 22.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.4% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be situated outside immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis of Mollymook Beach's public transport system shows that there are currently 27 active transport stops in operation. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 9 individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across all these routes amount to 97.

The accessibility of transport for residents is rated as good, with an average distance of 216 meters from their homes to the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 13 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Mollymook Beach faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51%, covering around 1,211 people. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.6% of residents) and mental health issues (7.3%). A total of 62.0% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in the Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 36.4% (866 people), compared to 27.8% in the Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.7% of its population born in Australia and 91.2% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 96.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.6%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (11.7%). Scottish ancestry was notably higher at 9.9%, compared to the regional average of 8.1%. Hungarian and Welsh ancestry also showed slight overrepresentation, at 0.4% and 0.7% respectively.

Mollymook Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Mollymook Beach is 56 years, notably exceeding Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group represents 21.7% of the population, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.1%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.3%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.6%. 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 53%, adding 149 residents to reach a total of 433.