Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Mooloolaba's population is estimated at around 8,739 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 537 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,202 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,735 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,229 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mooloolaba's 6.5% growth since census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 757 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 8.6% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mooloolaba recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mooloolaba saw approximately 29 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 147 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 20 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 2.5 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years.

The average construction value of new homes was $1,120,000, indicating targeting of the premium market segment. In FY-26, there have been $10.6 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mooloolaba has 56.0% less development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% attached dwellings. Mooloolaba has a mature market with around 376 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate an increase of 753 residents by 2041, aligning with current development trends.

Mooloolaba has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may affect the area. Key projects include Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade, Avani Hotel Mooloolaba, and Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland Local Plan Area. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Mooloolaba demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mooloolaba has a highly educated workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 2.3% as per AreaSearch's statistical area aggregation in December 2025. It has 4,773 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.7% lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld at 64.5%.

According to Census responses, 16.6% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food, with the latter being particularly specialized in Mooloolaba at 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 1.4% of Mooloolaba's workforce compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.8%, with employment decreasing by 2.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mooloolaba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Mooloolaba suburb's income level is higher than the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Mooloolaba was $50,367 and average income stood at $70,426, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,089 (median) and $78,426 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows personal income ranks at the 58th percentile ($843 weekly), while household income sits at the 36th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 32.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mooloolaba features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mooloolaba's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mooloolaba was 33.5%, similar to Regional Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented ones at 42.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,762, exceeding Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Mooloolaba's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Mooloolaba features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.2% of all households, including 18.7% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households making up 6.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Mooloolaba exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 28.5% for residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 24.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.4% while certificates make up 25.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.6% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mooloolaba has 31 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by five routes that together facilitate 1007 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 183 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most commutes from Mooloolaba are outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 88%. Five percent of residents walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 143 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mooloolaba's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mooloolaba. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~4,816 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis (9.1%) and mental health issues (7.6%). 69.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,009 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mooloolaba was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mooloolaba's cultural diversity was above average, with 9.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.0% born overseas. Christianity dominated religiously, at 46.5%. Judaism showed overrepresentation at 0.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (10.0%). Notable divergences included New Zealand (1.4% vs regional 0.9%), French (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%).

Mooloolaba hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Mooloolaba's median age is 43 years, which is higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.9% of Mooloolaba's population compared to Regional Queensland, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.1% to 8.0%, and the 25-34 cohort has risen from 14.3% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Mooloolaba's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 20%, adding 281 residents to reach 1,671. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts.