Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)
Statistical Area - sa2

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) 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, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s population is around 15,401, reflecting an increase of 7.0% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 14,397 people. This change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 15,037 as of June 2024 and an additional 306 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 640 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%, outpacing non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For years post-2032 and areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort where utilised. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041, with a projected expansion of 1,326 persons reflecting a total increase of 6.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) when compared nationally

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has seen approximately 74 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 370 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, there have been 5 approvals recorded. On average, each dwelling built has resulted in 3 new residents annually over these years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $187,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, there have been $200,000 in commercial development approvals recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When contrasted with the Rest of Qld, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has significantly lower building activity, at 66.0% below the regional average per person, which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. The current new building activity comprises 23.0% detached houses and 77.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's predominantly house-dominated (79.0%) existing housing stock. This trend caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers seeking affordable options. The estimated population per dwelling approval in the area is 855 people, reflecting its low development activity environment. Population forecasts project an increase of 962 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 73 projects expected to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Heritage Lane Estate Little Mountain, Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct, Aura (Caloundra South) - Stockland Development, and Caloundra Road and Bellvista Boulevard Intersection Upgrade, Planning and Design. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis places Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has a skilled workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%.

As of June 2025, there are 7,596 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 56.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level) but lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing (0.7% vs regional average of 4.5%).

Labour force decreased by 2.3% year to June 2025, with employment down 1.6%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 14.0% over ten years for Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North), based on its current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) had a median taxpayer income of $47,250 and an average income of $60,326. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $53,860 (median) and $68,766 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) rank modestly, between the 32nd and 36th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 32.8% of locals (5,051 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional levels at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North), as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.2% houses and 20.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) was 33.5%, with the remainder either mortgaged (37.8%) or rented (28.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $460 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $460.

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.0% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (30.2%). Educational participation is high at 30.9%, with 11.1% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Meridan State College and Pacific Lutheran College serve the area, collectively educating 3,090 students. Both schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1066) and functions as an education hub with 20.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.3.

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

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has 29 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses on six different routes, offering a total of 858 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 403 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 122 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of its total population (~7,700 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.7% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (8.6%).

About 65.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,646 people), higher than the 22.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Meridan Plains-Little Mountain (North) showed lower cultural diversity, with 77.1% born in Australia, 87.0% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 51.6%, compared to 50.0% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (8.7%).

Notable differences included New Zealanders at 1.0% (vs regional 1.1%), South Africans at 0.7% (vs 0.6%), and Maori at 0.7% (vs 0.7%).

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) was 42 years old as of the 2021 Census, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 but higher than the Australian median of 38. The 75-84 age cohort was notably over-represented locally at 10.2%, while the 55-64 year-olds were under-represented at 9.2% compared to Rest of Qld's average. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.2% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 14.2% to 12.5%, and the 65 to 74 cohort dropped from 10.2% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 85+ age cohort projected to grow by 560 people (an increase of 82%) from 682 to 1,243. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 53% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.