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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Mooloolah Valley lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Mooloolah Valley is around 3,863, showing an increase of 234 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.4% rise from the previous figure of 3,629 inhabitants. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,673 in June 2025 and an additional 126 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 211 persons per square kilometer. Mooloolah Valley's growth rate of 6.4% since census is within 2.8 percentage points of the Rest of Qld's 9.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using a base year of 2022 for each age cohort. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth for Mooloolah Valley, placing it in the top 10 percent of locations outside capital cities. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 2,484 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 59.4% over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Mooloolah Valley among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide
Mooloolah Valley has received around 37 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis from statistical area data. This totals an estimated 187 homes over the past five financial years, ending FY-25. As of FY-26 so far, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling has resulted in 2.3 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25.
The average construction cost value for new homes is $428,000. In the current financial year, there have been $7.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential area. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mooloolah Valley shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 85th percentile nationally.
Recent construction comprises 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character. With around 109 people per approval, Mooloolah Valley reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 2,294 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Mooloolah Valley
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Mooloolah Valley 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 five projects that may influence the area. Notable ones are Mooloolah Valley Retail Shops, Hillside Mooloolah Valley, Sunshine Coast New Planning Scheme - Mooloolah Valley Local Plan Area, and Landsborough to Nambour Rail Project. The following list details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Unitywater Infrastructure Program 2023-2027
A comprehensive $1.8 billion infrastructure program delivering critical water and wastewater services across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions. Key components include: the Aura and Harmony Trunk Infrastructure Program (27.6km of pipeline, near completion 2026); the Aura Water Project (new 15ML reservoir and 12km pipeline from Ewen Maddock Water Treatment Plant to Caloundra South, completion late 2026); the Pine Valley Water Supply Project (new 15ML reservoir and 8km pipeline at Morayfield, construction underway since early 2025, completion mid-2027); and the Morayfield Wastewater Network Capacity Upgrade Stage 1 (3km pipeline and pump station upgrades, construction commenced January 2026, completion mid-2027). Collectively the program supports more than 226,000 future residents across growth areas including Aura, Harmony, Caboolture West (Waraba), Morayfield, and Narangba.
The Wave - Sunshine Coast Rail and Public Transport Project
The Wave is an integrated transport initiative for the Sunshine Coast. Stage 1 involves a 19km dual-track heavy rail line from Beerwah to Caloundra. Stage 2 extends this rail 7km to Birtinya, including a 1km tunnel. Stage 3 (Metro) delivers a 12km Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network connecting Birtinya to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore CBD. The project aims to reduce travel times to Brisbane by 45 minutes and support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Beerwah East SEQ Development Area
Beerwah East is a 5,200-hectare SEQ Development Area (Category 2) under ShapingSEQ 2023 and the long-term preferred growth front for the Sunshine Coast. Subject to detailed planning, the area has the potential to accommodate up to around 35,000 dwellings and approximately 95,000 residents over the long term, with earlier estimates of 20,000 homes by 2041. The site sits between the Bruce Highway, Steve Irwin Way and Roys Road, with the planned Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (The Wave) running through it from Beerwah toward Caloundra and Birtinya. Most of the land is owned by the State and held under a 99-year HQPlantations forestry lease, with parts also subject to native title held by the Kabi Kabi First Nation. In March 2025 the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning conditionally endorsed the proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme but directed Council to revert most of Beerwah East from Emerging Community zoning back to Rural, allowing only land not subject to native title to be zoned Emerging Community. Sunshine Coast Council subsequently identified two early-release parcels totalling about 45 hectares near the Beerwah Golf Course off Roys Road, bordered by Foley Road, as the first land to potentially come forward for residential development. The proposed planning scheme remains in the review process and is expected to progress through 2026, while the Queensland Government continues investigations alongside Council, HQPlantations and the Kabi Kabi First Nation to unlock the broader area.
Nambour General Hospital Redevelopment
The $86.2 million redevelopment of Nambour General Hospital reached full completion in late 2024, significantly expanding the facility's capacity and service offerings. The project increased total bed capacity from 137 to 255 beds. Key features included the delivery of a new purpose-built Emergency Department with 44 beds and a dedicated children's treatment zone, an upgraded 44-bed mental health unit, a new renal dialysis facility, and a new medical imaging department. The redevelopment also established a same-day rehabilitation unit and modernized cancer care services for medical infusions and chemotherapy. Delivered in 9 stages by Queensland Health and Lendlease, the project ensures the hospital remains a primary medical hub for the Sunshine Coast hinterland through 2031 and beyond.
The Wave - Stage 1 (Rail)
The Wave Stage 1 will deliver approximately 19 kilometres of new dual-track heavy rail from Beerwah to Caloundra, including a major upgrade of Beerwah station and two new stations at Bells Creek (Aura) and Caloundra. Designed for train speeds of up to 160 km/h, it will be one of South East Queensland's fastest rail lines, tying into the existing North Coast Line for through-running services to Moreton Bay and Brisbane CBD. The project is a key legacy element of the Queensland Government's 2032 Delivery Plan for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games and is forecast to save peak commuters more than 45 minutes versus driving. Stage 1 is being delivered as two construction packages: a Brownfield package (Beerwah to Steve Irwin Way) and a Greenfield 1 package (Steve Irwin Way to Caloundra). Two consortia have been shortlisted for procurement: Coast Link Rail (Laing O'Rourke, Seymour Whyte, VINCI Construction) and a competing consortium known as CoastLink (Gamuda, Samsung, Webuild). Preliminary works including geotechnical investigations, contaminated land testing, groundwater monitoring and utility relocations are underway. Preferred delivery partners are expected to be appointed by mid-2026, with detailed design through 2026 and 2027 and major construction starting in late 2026 or early 2027. The line is to be operational before the 2032 Games and is expected to support around 3,300 jobs and accelerate delivery of more than 3,000 affordable and diverse homes around new station precincts.
The Wave - Stages 1 and 2 (Rail)
The Wave Stages 1 and 2 is a Queensland Government heavy passenger rail project that will directly connect Beerwah to Birtinya, with an upgraded Beerwah station and new stations at Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra, Aroona and Birtinya. Stage 1 from Beerwah to Caloundra is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian governments for $5.5 billion, with procurement underway and major construction expected to start in early 2027 subject to environmental approvals. Stage 2 from Caloundra to Birtinya is progressing through procurement and includes about 7 km of dual-track rail, two new stations and an approximately 1 km tunnel, subject to approvals and funding.
New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project
Sunshine Coast Council is preparing a new planning scheme to replace the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. The proposed scheme sets the land use planning framework for the region, guiding growth, housing diversity, local plans, environmental protection, climate resilience, centres and employment areas. Formal public consultation ran from 15 July to 19 September 2025. Council received around 4,600 formal submissions and is reviewing and responding to issues raised before deciding required changes, preparing a Consultation Report and seeking final State approval. The review is expected to continue well into 2026.
Bruce Highway Upgrade - Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway (CR2SM)
A $932 million upgrade of a 7 km section of the Bruce Highway between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway. Delivered six lanes at 110 km/h, major interchange upgrades including Australia's first Diverging Diamond Interchange at Caloundra Road, a new two-way Frizzo Connection Road service road, improved flood immunity, Intelligent Transport Systems, over 9 km of active transport paths and crossings, and new service roads. Practical completion to traffic occurred in July 2021, with all construction works finalised by August 2022.
Employment
Employment conditions in Mooloolah Valley demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets
Mooloolah Valley has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,734 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.
Workforce participation in the area is somewhat lower at 61.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. A moderate 16.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.8% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 11.7%, while employment declined by 11.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Mooloolah Valley's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis
Mooloolah Valley suburb's income level is below national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Mooloolah Valley is $49,165 and average income stands at $59,755, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. With Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,750 (median) and $66,543 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 61st percentile ($1,931 weekly), while personal income sits at the 42nd percentile. Income brackets indicate largest segment comprises 35.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,352 residents). High housing costs consume 16.9% of income, disposable income ranks at the 60th percentile and area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Mooloolah Valley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Mooloolah Valley's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mooloolah Valley was 28.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.4% and rented at 13.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,996, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Mooloolah Valley was $420, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Mooloolah Valley's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,996 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Mooloolah Valley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 81.3 percent of all households, including 38.9 percent couples with children, 31.3 percent couples without children, and 10.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.7 percent, with lone person households making up 15.8 percent and group households comprising 2.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Mooloolah Valley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
Mooloolah Valley's educational qualifications trail national averages, with 22.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 14.0% while certificates make up 31.9%. Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.4% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Mooloolah Valley has two active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 41 different routes, collectively facilitating 606 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically residing 1236 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward; cars remain the primary mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Across all routes, service frequency averages 86 trips per day, equating to approximately 303 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Mooloolah Valley's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts
Mooloolah Valley's health data shows positive outcomes overall, matching national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.
Prevalence of common health issues is low across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~1,965 people). Mental health issues affect 8.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.1%. A total of 70.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 14.7% (567 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Mooloolah Valley is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Mooloolah Valley's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.4% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 40.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.
The top three ancestry groups were English (33.3%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (8.6%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.4% versus the regional average of 0.9%, as were Welsh people at 0.7% compared to 0.5%. German ancestry was also slightly higher than the regional average, at 5.0%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Mooloolah Valley's population is slightly older than the national pattern
The median age in Mooloolah Valley is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 years are prominent at 15.9%, while those aged 75-84 years are smaller at 4.5%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has decreased by 1.2 years from 40 to 39, indicating a younger demographic shift. The 35 to 44 age group grew from 14.1% to 16.5%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 10.3% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 15.4% to 13.3%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 76% (487 people), reaching 1,125 from 637.