Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)

Population growth drivers in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s population is around 15,401 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,004 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,397 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,037 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 306 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 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 the non-metro area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, a population increase of just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,326 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.2% in total 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 annually over the past five financial years, totalling 370 homes. As of FY26, there have been six approvals recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 attracted three new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost for these dwellings was $187,000, lower than the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY26, there have been $200,000 in commercial development approvals recorded, showing minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland, where Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) records 66.0% lower building activity per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The new building activity consists of 23.0% detached houses and 77.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition of 79.0% houses. This trend may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The area has an estimated population of 855 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) is projected to gain 962 residents by 2041.

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

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 73 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones 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 provides details on 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 assessment positions Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.5% as of September 2025. There are 7,415 residents employed, which is 1.5% below the Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 4%.

Workforce participation in the area is lower at 56.7%, compared to the regional average of 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.8%, with employment decreasing by 2.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) SA2 had a median income of $47,250 and an average of $60,326 among taxpayers. These figures are below the national average. Rest of Qld's median was $50,780 with 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, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 31st and 35th percentiles. Income distribution 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 30th 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 at 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 average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $460 compared to the national figure of $375.

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%. 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%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (30.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 29 active stops operating in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North), offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by six individual routes, collectively facilitating 858 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically located 403 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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 groups. Approximately 50% (~7,700 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Qld at 52.7%, and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (8.6%), with 65.1% declaring no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in Rest of Qld.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 23.7% (3,646 people), higher than the Rest of Qld's 22.3%. Senior health outcomes present challenges broadly inline 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 cultural diversity below average levels, with 77.1% of its population born in Australia, 87.0% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.6%, compared to a regional average of 50.0%. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (8.7%).

Notable differences included overrepresentation of New Zealanders at 1.0% versus 1.1% regionally, South Africans at 0.7% versus 0.6%, and Maori at 0.7% compared to the regional figure of 0.7%.

Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) was 42 years in 2021, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 but above Australia's median of 38. Locally, the 75-84 cohort made up 10.2%, notably higher than Rest of Qld's average, while the 55-64 age group was under-represented at 9.2%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.2% to 13.3%, while those aged 5 to 14 declined from 14.2% to 12.5% and those aged 65 to 74 dropped from 10.2% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 560 people (an 82% increase) from 682 to 1,243. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 53% of this growth, while the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are forecasted to decrease in population.