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 of Feb 2026, Mollymook Beach's population is estimated at around 2,660, reflecting an increase of 129 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,531. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,373 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 796 persons per square kilometer, relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mollymook Beach's growth rate of 5.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.0% 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 742 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 25.1% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mollymook Beach recorded around 5 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 29 homes were approved, with an additional 2 so far in FY-26.

This results in an average of 5.6 new residents per year for every home built during this period. The demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $672,000. Compared to Rest of NSW, Mollymook Beach has markedly lower building activity (67.0% below regional average per person), which reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Recent construction comprises 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 90.0% houses. The location has approximately 273 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low density market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mollymook Beach is expected to grow by 669 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

AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. These key projects include 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. The unemployment rate was 1.2% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%.

The unemployment rate is 2.6% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, but workforce participation lags behind at 53.0% compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 18.9% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2% while labour force increased by 3.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contraction of 0.5%, labour force fall of 0.1%, and unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Mollymook Beach's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Mollymook Beach's median income among taxpayers is $45,252. The average income is $60,570. This is below the national average. Comparing to Rest of NSW, Mollymook Beach's median is lower at $52,390 and the average is slightly lower at $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,261 (median) and $65,937 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Mollymook Beach fall between the 16th and 25th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income bracket spans 28.6% of locals (760 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% fall into this bracket. 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

The dwelling structure in Mollymook Beach, as assessed at the latest Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 89.7% houses and 10.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's structure of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Mollymook Beach was higher than that of Non-Metro NSW at 59.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (23.5%) or rented (17.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of June 2021, was $1,700, which is lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Mollymook Beach, recorded in December 2020, was $380, exceeding the Non-Metro NSW figure of $330 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.6 percent of all households, including 18.7 percent couples with children, 42.9 percent couples without children, and 7.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.4 percent, with lone person households at 28.1 percent and group households making up 2.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 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 the most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.8% while certificates make up 28.4%.

A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 22.6% pursuing it. This includes 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 collectively provide 96 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living within 216 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from Mollymook Beach, and cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 18.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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

Mollymook Beach shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.

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 (~1,354 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis (13.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%). A majority, 62%, reported no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Mollymook Beach has a higher percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.4% (968 people) compared to the state average of 23.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors remain strong and align with national rankings.

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 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 84.7% born in Australia and 91.2% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 96.3%. Christianity dominated religiously at 53.6%, while Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4% compared to the Rest of NSW's 0.1%.

Ancestry-wise, top groups were English (34.1%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (11.7%). Notable ethnic group divergences included Scottish (9.9% vs regional 8.0%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%).

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 21.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.0%. 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 12.4%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 13.3%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 22.6% to 21.5%. 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 112 residents to reach a total of 437.