Mooloolah Valley

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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of Mooloolah Valley is around 4,021, reflecting a growth of 392 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 10.8% rise from the previous figure of 3,629. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,861 following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 220 persons per square kilometer. Mooloolah Valley's growth rate since the 2021 census, at 10.8%, exceeded both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, positioning it as a regionally significant growth leader. The primary driver of this population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors to this increase. AreaSearch's projections for Mooloolah Valley are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by these data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted. It is important to note that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, which are based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, exceptional population growth is predicted for Mooloolah Valley over the period to 2041, with an expected increase of 4,740 persons, reflecting a total increase of 134.9% over these 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mooloolah Valley among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mooloolah Valley had approximately 46 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 233 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 18 approvals recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated about 7.4 new residents. This indicates a significant gap between demand and supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of these homes was $428,000, below regional norms, suggesting more affordable housing options. In this financial year, there have been $6.6 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mooloolah Valley has 12.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 61st percentile nationally, indicating strong developer confidence despite lower-than-average activity compared to its region. The new building activity consists mainly of detached houses (90.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (10.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

With around 246 people per dwelling approval, Mooloolah Valley suggests a developing market with potential implications for housing supply and demand balance. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add approximately 5,425 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, there may not be sufficient new housing supply to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

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

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Mooloolah Valley Retail Shops, Hillside Mooloolah Valley, Sunshine Coast New Planning Scheme - Mooloolah Valley Local Plan Area, and Landsborough to Nambour Rail Project.

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

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The labour market strength in Mooloolah Valley positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Mooloolah Valley has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.7%.

The area's unemployment rate is 2.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is 62.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction employs 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.8% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area offers limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by Census data.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4%, combined with employment decreasing by 1.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.8 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mooloolah Valley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Mooloolah Valley had a median income of $49,165 and an average income of $59,755 among taxpayers in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national figures for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest these figures would have increased to approximately $56,043 (median) and $68,115 (average), based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 61st percentile ($1,931 weekly) while personal income was at the 42nd percentile. The largest income segment comprised 35.0% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,407 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 31.7% fell into the same category. High housing costs consumed 16.9% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 60th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mooloolah Valley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Mooloolah Valley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mooloolah Valley was 28.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.4% and rented ones at 13.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,996, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Mooloolah Valley was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $400. Nationally, Mooloolah Valley's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,996 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mooloolah Valley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.3% of all households, including 38.9% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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 benchmarks; 22.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.9% holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 14.0% and certificates for 31.9%. Educational participation is high at 32.9%, including primary (12.4%), secondary (10.4%), and tertiary education (4.3%).

Mooloolah State School serves the valley, with an enrollment of 254 students as of a specific date, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1013). It focuses exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 6.3, below the regional average of 10.5, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Mooloolah Valley has two operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 32 different routes, facilitating 606 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport access is considered limited, with residents generally situated 1236 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 86 daily trips across all routes, amounting to approximately 303 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Mooloolah Valley residents.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of the total population (~2045 people) has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 70.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across Rest of Qld. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (583 people), which is lower than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, as per the census conducted on 29th June 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens (85.4%), born in Australia (81.3%), and speaking English at home (96.6%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 40.5% of the population.

Notably, Judaism, while a small proportion (0.1%) of Mooloolah Valley's population, was comparably represented to the rest of Queensland (also 0.1%). Regarding ancestry, English (33.3%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (8.6%) were the most prevalent groups. However, there were notable variations in representation for certain ethnicities: New Zealanders were slightly overrepresented at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 1.0%, Welsh also showed similar proportions at 0.7%, while Germans had an identical representation of 5.0%.

Mooloolah Valley's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mooloolah Valley is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are prominent at 15.8%, while those aged 75-84 are smaller at 4.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the median age has decreased by 1 year from 40 to 39, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes include an increase in the 25-34 age group from 10.3% to 12.4%, and a growth in the 35-44 cohort from 14.1% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.2% to 8.8%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Mooloolah Valley, with the 35-44 age group expected to grow by 160% (an increase of 1,017 people), reaching a total of 1,653 from its current figure of 635.