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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mollymook Beach's population is estimated at around 2,660 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 129 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,531 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,373 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 796 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mollymook Beach's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 65.0% 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecast, with Mollymook Beach expected to expand by 651 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 13.7% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mollymook Beach when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Mollymook Beach has averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, an estimated 36 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved in FY26 so far.

This results in approximately 4.3 people moving to the area per dwelling built annually over these years. The demand significantly exceeds new supply, contributing to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average cost of $672,000. Comparatively, Mollymook Beach shows substantially reduced construction activity compared to the rest of NSW, with 58.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, although it remains below the national average, suggesting established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current 90.0% houses.

This trend caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, potentially due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Mollymook Beach has approximately 225 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is forecasted to gain 364 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the region: South Mollymook Coastal Protection Works and Motel Molly. Managing Growth in Ulladulla, Milton and Surrounds, and Milton Ulladulla Bypass are also key initiatives. The following list details those most relevant.

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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 1.4% and there was an estimated employment growth of 1.6% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 1,040 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is at 52.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. About 18.9% of residents work from home (Census data, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts). Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a notable specialization in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, labour force by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 ending June 2023 shows that Mollymook Beach suburb has incomes below national average. The median income is $45,252 and the average is $60,570. This contrasts with Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,261 (median) and $65,937 (average) as of September 2025. Mollymook Beach's household, family and personal incomes all fall between the 16th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually (760 individuals), consistent with Regional NSW's 29.9%. Housing costs are modest, with 87.2% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mollymook Beach was at 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, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,867 and the national average of $1,904. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, exceeding the regional average of $350 and the national average of $320.

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 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 university qualification rate is 27.7%, higher than the SA3 average of 19.0% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.4%.

A total of 22.6% of the population is actively pursuing education, including 9.4% in primary, 5.9% in secondary, 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are covered by nine different routes that collectively offer 96 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 216 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward, with cars being the predominant mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 18.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 13 trips per day is maintained, translating to roughly 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

Mollymook Beach shows excellent health outcomes, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 51% (~1,354 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.6% of residents) and mental health issues (7.3%). Sixty-two percent declare themselves free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. Thirty-six point eight percent of residents are aged 65 and over (978 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly 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, as per the findings, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The population born in Australia constituted 84.7%, with 91.2% being citizens and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.6% of Mollymook Beach's population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (11.7%). Other notable divergences included Scottish representation at 9.9%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

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 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 21.7%, compared to Regional NSW's figure, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 6.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.3%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Mollymook Beach's age structure. The 75-84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 24%, adding 77 residents to reach a total of 402. Meanwhile, numbers in the 65-74 age range are expected to fall by 10%.