Marcoola (Qld)

Detail

According to assessments of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, and recent address validations conducted by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Marcoola has an estimated population of 3,788 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 433 people (12.9%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,355 individuals. The transition is calculated from a resident population of 3,783, which Districts estimated using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP data alongside 15 validated new addresses identified since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 259 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for subsequent expansion. The 12.9% expansion rate of the suburb of Marcoola since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (8.3%) and the Rest of Qld, positioning the locality as a leading growth area in the region. Population gains were mostly propelled by overseas migration, which made up approximately 93.0% of the total growth during the recent timeframe.

Detail

The local workforce is highly skilled, particularly in the construction sector, with an unemployment rate of only 3.9% according to Districts compilations of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, there are 2,116 employed residents, mirroring the Regional Qld unemployment rate of 3.9%, while participation in the labour force is standard (67.0% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld). Census returns indicate that a moderate 14.4% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

Detail

Taxpayer statistics for the postcode compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 reveal a median income of $48,023 and an average income of $63,892 in Marcoola. These figures are below national averages and compare to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated earnings as of March 2026 would be approximately $53,478 for the median and $71,150 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in the locality fell between the 28th and 42nd percentiles. The largest income bracket contains 31.8% of the population, representing 1,204 residents earning between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which is similar to the regional proportion of . Affordability is highly constrained, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the nd percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the community in the th decile for income.

Detail

According to the last Census, the housing mix in Marcoola consisted of 43.4% standalone houses and 56.6% alternative dwellings (including townhouses, apartments, and other formats), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the area stood at 29.2%, which is below the regional benchmark, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (29.7%) or renting (41.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the regional average at $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $406, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345. Locally, mortgage costs are lower than the national average of $1,863, whereas rental costs exceed the national benchmark of $375.

Detail

Families make up 64.6% of all households, consisting of couples with children (20.5%), couples without children (31.4%), and single parent households (11.6%). The remaining 35.4% consists of non-family households, which includes single-person households at 30.4% and group living situations at 5.0%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Detail

Attainment levels in Marcoola are lower than regional averages, with 24.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationwide. This highlights room for educational growth and training. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational education is highly represented, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (30.2%).

Detail

An analysis of transport options reveals 21 active stops in Marcoola, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes that provide 426 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 179 meters from the nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the main mode of transit at 93%. Car ownership stands at 1.3 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A total of 14.4% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Detail

Health indicators show favorable patterns for the local population, with Districts' evaluation of mortality data and medical conditions matching national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses is typical across youth and elderly demographics, while the share of residents with private health insurance is slightly ahead of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the population (~1,989 people).

Detail

The population of Marcoola is less culturally diverse than average, with citizens making up 85.1% of the community, 82.8% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.0% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Regional Qld.

Detail

Marcoola has a median age of 45, making it older than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national average of 38. The age structure features a high proportion of people aged 55 - 64 (17.0%), while those aged 15 - 24 represent a smaller cohort (9.7%) than is typical in Regional Qld. The representation of the 55 - 64 group is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.7% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 10.9% to 9.9%. Projections to 2041 point to shifts in the local age profile. The to age bracket is expected to increase by ( people), rising from to . Additionally, seniors aged and over will account for of total population growth, highlighting the aging trend of the suburb. In contrast, the cohorts aged to and to are projected to experience population decreases.

Detail

Marcoola currently has an estimated 136 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 98 children aged 0-2 and 65 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 158 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 290. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.1 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.