The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing local government areas in Australia due to its proximity to Brisbane, growth in employment opportunities, and natural beauty. The Sunshine Coast currently attracts over 6.5 million visitors a year: 23 visitors for each resident.
Significant erosion and inundation from sea-level rise is projected by 2100. Canal estates and other low-lying properties are at risk of inundation. The mouth of the Maroochy River at Maroochydore is also likely to become more dynamic with rising sea level and changing tidal conditions.
The Sunshine Coast’s socio-economic characteristics place it within the top 30 percent of advantaged local government areas within Australia. However, the distribution of advantage is uneven across suburbs. Indicators of economic vulnerability (such as mortgage stress and the proportion of high-income households) and socio-demographic characteristics (including the proportion of single parent families and lone-person households) are consistent with the national average. The Sunshine Coast does however have a higher proportion of aged residents (>65 years) than the Australian average.
Socio-economic characteristics, 2016
| 2016 | Sunshine Coast LGA | Australian Average |
| Economic | ||
| Rental stress | 13.30% | 11.50% |
| Mortgage stress | 7.20% | 7.20% |
| Low income households | 20.80% | 23.70% |
| High income households | 11.30% | 11.20% |
| Rental housing | 29.60% | 30.90% |
| Unemployment | 7.20% | 6.90% |
| Economic diversity Index | 0.93 | 1 |
| Population | ||
| Total population | 294,367 | NA |
| <14 years | 18.10% | 18.70% |
| >65 years | 20.30% | 15.80% |
| Median age | 43 | 37 |
| Single parent families | 15.50% | 15.80% |
| Lone person households | 23.50% | 24.40% |
| Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander | 1.90% | 2.80% |
| Birthplace not Australia | 25.90% | 33% |
| Language other than english at home | 5% | 22.20% |
| Community | ||
| Volunteering rates | 20.70% | 19% |
| Health (Type 2 Diabetes) | 4.10% | 5% |
| Residents receiving government social service payments | 60% | 58% (QLD) |