Mooloolaba

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

Mooloolaba's population, as estimated based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validations up to November 2025, is approximately 8,708. This figure represents an increase of 506 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,202. The recent resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 8,672, based on the latest ERP data release from the ABS in June 2024 and including 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,221 persons per square kilometer for Mooloolaba, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 6.2% since the Census is within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains in recent periods for Mooloolaba.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by the former or years post-2032. The latter projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort when utilising state projections. Future population trends suggest a slight increase below the median of locations outside capital cities by 2041, with Mooloolaba expected to gain approximately 728 persons, reflecting a total growth of 7.4% over the 17 years.

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

Mooloolaba has seen approximately 27 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 138 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 2.3 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $1,120,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This year has seen $11.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mooloolaba has significantly less development activity, with 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's established nature is also reflected in its development activity being under the national average, potentially suggesting planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 59.0% detached houses and 41.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of opportunities across price brackets. This contrasts with current patterns (39.0% at Census) and demonstrates ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. Mooloolaba indicates a mature market with around 451 people per approval. Population forecasts suggest the area will gain 643 residents by 2041, which should be comfortably met by current development rates. This provides good conditions for buyers and potentially supports growth beyond current population projections.

Mooloolaba has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that are expected to impact the area due to their potential influence on local infrastructure. Notable projects include the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, the Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade, the Avani Hotel Mooloolaba, and the Mooloolaba - Alexandra Headland Local Plan Area. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Mooloolaba ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Mooloolaba has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 1.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there are 4,887 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. There is particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.4% of Mooloolaba's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1%, while employment decreased by 1.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Mooloolaba. These projections indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mooloolaba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Mooloolaba's median income among taxpayers was $50,367 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $70,426 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $57,413 (median) and $80,279 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 58th percentile with a weekly income of $843, while household income sits at the 36th percentile. Distribution data shows that 32.0% of individuals in Mooloolaba earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mooloolaba features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mooloolaba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.9% houses and 61.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 51.7% houses and 48.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mooloolaba was 33.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented ones at 42.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,762, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,820. The median weekly rent in Mooloolaba was $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $420 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded it.

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 account for the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 6.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 28.5%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's 24.9%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 25.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 7.6% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary. Mooloolaba State School serves Mooloolaba, with an enrollment of 793 students as of the latest data. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1068, indicating above-average socio-educational conditions. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas.

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

Mooloolaba has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,092 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 184 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 156 trips per day across all routes, which equals approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mooloolaba's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mooloolaba's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing a typical range of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 55% (~4,798 people) have private health cover, higher than the Rest of Queensland's 52.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and mental health issues (7.6%). About 69.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Queensland's 67.2%. Around 21.7% (1,889 people) are aged 65 or over, lower than the Rest of Queensland's 24.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Mooloolaba are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

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

Mooloolaba had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mooloolaba, accounting for 46.5%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (22.8%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.4%, French at 0.7%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Mooloolaba hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mooloolaba's median age is 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.3% of Mooloolaba's population, compared to the Rest of Qld's percentage. The 5-14 age group makes up 8.7%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.3% to 16.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.9%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Mooloolaba's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 23%, adding 325 residents to reach 1,745. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 cohorts.