State Electorate · Area profile
Maroochydore
45 km²
A typical resident in Maroochydore is 46, making the area far older than both the state and national averages. The community is shifting toward a more mature character, with the proportion of seniors rising significantly and children under 15 falling. It is a highly mobile place where over half the population has moved recently, and many choose to live alone in smaller homes. This creates a distinctive mix of retirees and newcomers in a very walkable coastal setting.
Modest local incomes, but the area's schools serve a more advantaged intake.
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The area is far older than the national figure, with 23.8% of people aged 65 and over. This senior population has grown by 7.0 percentage points since 2011, while the proportion of children has fallen.
About 22.3% of residents were born overseas, which is similar to the Queensland average but well below the national figure. English is the most common ancestry at 44.4%.
English is the primary language for 85.3% of the community. Only 7.8% of people use another language at home, which is far below the national average.
The area has a higher proportion of people with no religion (44.9%) than most other areas. This figure has risen by 18 percentage points since 2011.
The number of adults with a bachelor degree or higher rose by 8.4 percentage points since 2011 to reach 23.4%. This is slightly above the state average.
Typical weekly household income is $1,492, which is a little below the national figure. However, the number of households earning over $3,000 a week rose by 12 percentage points since 2011.
A slightly higher proportion of residents have a long-term health condition (29.6%) compared to the national figure. Arthritis is the most common long-term condition reported.
Fewer people here provide unpaid care or look after children compared to most areas. Notably, 3.8% of residents have served in the Defence Force, which is much higher than most areas.
People are more likely to live alone here (30.3%) than in most other areas. This helps explain why the typical home is smaller, with only 2.2 people per household.
Rentals are much more common here than in other areas, with a typical weekly rent of $420. Detached houses are far less common than the state average, as many residents live in flats or apartments.
Most people drive to work, and very few (1.3%) use public transport. However, 15.1% of the workforce now works from home, a significant increase since 2011.
This is a very transient community, as 51.3% of residents moved in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals make up 15.8% of the population.
Fewer adults are working or looking for work (57.6%) compared to the state average. Those who are employed are most commonly found in health care and social assistance.
The area is very walkable, with 72.2% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a variety of amenities. Most residents can easily walk to a park, public transport, or health services.