Molendinar

QLD 4214 • Rest of QLD

6,450
Population (2021)
$91,884
Median Household Income
7.65 km²
Area
$450/wk
Median Rent
Employment HubMedical PrecinctGrowth SuburbAffordable

About Molendinar

Molendinar is a mixed-use suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, located approximately 5.7 kilometres west of Southport and 8 kilometres north-west of Surfers Paradise. With a population of 6,450, it covers 7.7 square kilometres and serves as a key commercial and light-industrial hub for the northern Gold Coast. The suburb features a blend of residential areas, business parks, and the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct.

The suburb is home to the Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University Gold Coast campus, and several major business parks, making it a significant employment centre. Residential pockets offer affordable housing compared to coastal neighbours, attracting young professionals and families. Molendinar's central location provides easy access to the M1 motorway, and the historic Ernest Junction railway tunnel — a heritage-listed former rail corridor — is a local landmark.

Molendinar falls under postcode 4214 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Southport electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4214
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.97°, 153.36°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
7.65 km²
Elevation
33m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$450
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,850
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
37 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.5%

150 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gold Coast University Hospital
2.5 km
30 min
Griffith University
3 km
36 min
Nerang
4 km
Gold Coast railway line

Bus Services

  • 725 — Southport via Olsen Avenue 15 min
  • 740 — Nerang station via Ashmore 20 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
72 km
By Train
1 hr 15 min (from Nerang)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 10 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55 min

🛣️ Southport CBD is 6 km east. M1 Pacific Motorway provides direct access to Brisbane

Walkability Car-Dependent

Spread-out suburb with commercial/industrial zones; most trips require a car though some residential areas have local bus access

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Gold Coast Local Government Area, which contains Molendinar. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
550.5 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
337.3 / 100k
Non-FV assault
838.1 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
19.8 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
578 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,375
Census 2021
6,450
1.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,784
Personal Income 2021
$36,556
18.8% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$36,556 / yr
$703/wk
Household
$91,884 / yr
$1767/wk
Family
$97,812 / yr
$1881/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,833
Born Overseas 2,250

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 441
  • 2. China 294
  • 3. England 204
  • 4. India 130
  • 5. South Korea 130
  • 6. Philippines 114
  • 7. Taiwan 66
  • 8. Japan 65
  • 9. South Africa 64
  • 10. Malaysia 39

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,024
Australian 1,731
Chinese 598
Irish 577
Scottish 476
German 302
Indian 203
Italian 181
Australian Aboriginal 170
Filipino 168

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,368
Both parents born in Australia
2,864
Both parents born overseas
837
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
43.2%
No Religion
42.6%
Buddhism
2.4%
Hinduism
1.9%
Islam
1.2%
Judaism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
353 (5.5%)
5-14 years
861 (13.3%)
15-19 years
481 (7.5%)
20-24 years
472 (7.3%)
25-34 years
808 (12.5%)
35-44 years
907 (14.1%)
45-54 years
989 (15.3%)
55-64 years
760 (11.8%)
65-74 years
526 (8.2%)
75-84 years
242 (3.8%)
85+ years
56 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Molendinar known for? +

Molendinar is a mixed-use suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, located approximately 5.7 kilometres west of Southport and 8 kilometres north-west of Surfers Paradise. With a population of 6,450, it covers 7.7 square kilometres and serves as a key commercial and light-industrial hub for the northern Gold Coast.

How far is Molendinar from Brisbane CBD? +

Molendinar is approximately 72 km from Brisbane CBD. By car, the journey takes around 55 min off-peak and 1 hr 10 min during peak hours.

Does Molendinar have public transport? +

Molendinar is served by Gold Coast University Hospital (2.5 km away) on the G:link Light Rail. Bus services also connect to Southport via Olsen Avenue. The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately 55 min by car.

What is the population of Molendinar? +

According to the 2021 Census, Molendinar has a population of approximately 6,450 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Gold Coast (City).

Is Molendinar a good place to live? +

Molendinar offers affordable housing options and practical suburban living, making it a good choice for first home buyers, families, and those on a budget who still want access to regional amenities.

What is the postcode for Molendinar? +

The postcode for Molendinar, QLD is 4214.

What is the average income in Molendinar? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Molendinar is about $703 per week (around $36,600 per year). The median household income is $1,767 per week and the median family income is $1,881 per week.

What is the age profile of Molendinar? +

The median age in Molendinar is 37. The largest age group is 45–54 (989 residents, around 15%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 13% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Molendinar a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Molendinar is part of the Gold Coast LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Molendinar? +

In Molendinar, the median weekly rent is $450, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,850 (2021 Census).