Mollymook Beach

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of November 2025, Mollymook Beach's estimated population is around 2,649. This reflects a growth of 118 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,531. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,373 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 793 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mollymook Beach's population growth of 4.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.6%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Mollymook Beach are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to Mollymook Beach for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 730 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 25.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Mollymook Beach when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Mollymook Beach recorded approximately 5 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 29 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26 so far.

Over the past 5 financial years, an average of 5.6 new residents per year was associated with each home built. This demand significantly exceeded new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers targeted the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $672,000. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mollymook Beach had markedly lower building activity, 67.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although recent activity has intensified. The area's construction activity was also lower than the national level, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent construction comprised 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 90.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. Mollymook Beach had approximately 273 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is expected to grow by 674 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the area. 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 most relevant.

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 reveals Mollymook Beach significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Mollymook Beach has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% as of September 2025, showing an employment growth estimate of 3.3% over the previous year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of that date, 1,045 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.6% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 44.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area had a particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.9% of Mollymook Beach's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the census working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3%, while labour force increased by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of NSW, where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment had contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mollymook Beach's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mollymook Beach's median income among taxpayers is $45,252. The average income in the suburb is $60,570. Both figures are below the national averages. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mollymook Beach would be approximately $49,261 (median) and $65,937 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Mollymook Beach fall between the 16th and 25th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 28.6% of locals (757 people) earning within this range, similar to the surrounding region at 29.9%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.2% income retention, disposable income ranks at just the 20th percentile nationally. 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership in Mollymook Beach was 59.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged at 23.5% or rented at 17.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, recorded as of June 2021, while the median weekly rent figure was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $1,733 and $350 respectively. Nationally, Mollymook Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as of June 2021, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 during the same period.

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 comprise the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households making up 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 at 27.7% of 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 prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 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.

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

The transport analysis indicates 27 active stops operating within Mollymook Beach. These stops service a mix of bus routes, totaling 9 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 96 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 216 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges at Mollymook Beach, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older residents.

Approximately 51% (~1,348 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%). Notably, 62.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in the rest of NSW. Mollymook Beach has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.3% (961 people), compared to 27.8% in the rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming general population 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, as per the findings, had a below average cultural diversity level with 84.7% of its population born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mollymook Beach, comprising 53.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (11.7%). Some other ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish was overrepresented at 9.9% versus the regional 8.1%, Hungarian at 0.4% compared to 0.2%, and Welsh at 0.7% against the regional 0.6%.

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 average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 21.6%, 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% of Mollymook Beach's population. Conversely, 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 36%, adding 115 residents to reach a total of 433.