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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
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What it costs to rent in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)
Median weekly rents, year-on-year movement and bond-lodgement activity for Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) (4551). Sourced from the NSW Rental Bond Board, DCJ Family & Community Services.
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| Dwelling | Bedrooms | Median $/wk | Active bonds | New bonds (Qtr) | YoY | Quality |
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SOURCE: NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ Family & Community Services), processed by AreaSearch. Imputed values are flagged. Latest publication:
Population
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
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s population was 14,397 as of May 2021. By May 2026, it increased to around 15,102, a rise of 705 people (4.9%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 15,069 in June 2025 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. The population density is 628 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, ending May 2021, the area's compound annual growth rate was 1.9%, outpacing the Rest of Qld. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 with a base year of 2022. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041, with the area expected to expand by 1,159 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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, 11 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 3 new residents is gained per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $187,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.
In FY26, $200,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland, where Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) records 65.0% lower building activity per person. The area's new building activity comprises 23.0% detached houses and 77.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from its existing housing composition of 79.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. As of now, there are an estimated 855 people per dwelling approval in the area. By 2041, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) is projected to gain 1,125 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.
Population forecasts indicate Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) will gain 1,125 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 71 projects likely affecting the area. Notable projects include Heritage Lane Estate Little Mountain, Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct, Caloundra Road and Bellvista Boulevard Intersection Upgrade (Planning and Design), and Aura District Sports Parks. The following list details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Sunshine Coast Health Precinct
The Sunshine Coast Health Precinct at Birtinya is one of Australia's largest health and medical hubs, anchored by the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (operated by Ramsay Health Care), and the Sunshine Coast Health Institute. SCUH opened in March 2017 with 450 beds and had expanded to 728 inpatient beds by mid-2025, with a planned final capacity of 738 beds. The precinct serves a catchment of around 450,000 residents across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions and supports tertiary services including a comprehensive cancer centre, regional trauma service, the Thompson Institute for mental health research, the Adem Crosby Centre, and the Kamala mental health unit. Adjacent facilities include the Vitality Village integrated community health building (opened mid-2021) and the 17-hectare Health Hub greenfield precinct, which is being progressively developed with up to 32,000 square metres of medical, research, allied health and consulting space. Clinical training and research are delivered in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Griffith University and TAFE Queensland. The neighbouring Birtinya Town Centre masterplan (Stockland) continues to add retail, residential and commercial floorspace surrounding the precinct, with a refreshed Temporary Local Planning Instrument approved by the State in September 2025 to lift residential density.
Aura (Caloundra South) Infrastructure
Australia's largest master-planned community under single ownership, developing 2,360 hectares to accommodate 20,000 dwellings for 50,000 residents. Key 2026 updates include the start of construction on the Aura Town Centre (Stage 1) featuring Woolworths and Aldi, and the 5.3-hectare Aura Parklands and Lagoon. Significant infrastructure works are active, including the Aura Wastewater Project and enabling works for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (The Wave). The community spans suburbs including Baringa, Nirimba, Banya, and the newly launched Gagalba.
Palmview Residential Community (Palmview Master Planned Area)
The Palmview residential community is a 926-hectare master-planned area on the Sunshine Coast, designed to accommodate approximately 16,000 residents across 7,000+ homes by 2036. The project includes three major estates: Harmony (AVID Property Group), Village Green (Peet), and Flame Tree Rise (Living Choice). As of mid-2026, construction is well-advanced with the Southern Road Link to Caloundra Road completed, providing vital connectivity. The project features over 120 hectares of open space, operational primary and secondary schools, and the Harmony Water Project infrastructure. Development continues across multiple residential precincts and the future town centre.
Bruce Highway Upgrade - Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway (CR2SM)
A $932 million upgrade of a 7 km section of the Bruce Highway between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway. Delivered six lanes at 110 km/h, major interchange upgrades including Australia's first Diverging Diamond Interchange at Caloundra Road, a new two-way Frizzo Connection Road service road, improved flood immunity, Intelligent Transport Systems, over 9 km of active transport paths and crossings, and new service roads. Practical completion to traffic occurred in July 2021, with all construction works finalised by August 2022.
Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct
A 75-hectare regional sport and recreation precinct at Meridan Plains, opposite the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. Delivers multiple football (soccer) and cricket fields/ovals, hardcourts, 1.8km criterium track, youth plaza (bike/skate/parkour), all-ability playgrounds, nature play areas, wetlands, trails, disc golf, dog off-leash area, event spaces and future indoor sport and recreation centre. Stage 1 (civil works, fields, lighting, car parks, roads, wetlands) underway and ongoing through 2024-2026; Stage 2 (clubhouses, synthetic field, indoor centre, further activation) from 2025-2027+.
Aura District Sports Parks
Multi-purpose sports and recreation facilities serving Aura community including playing fields, courts, clubhouses and support facilities. Part of Aura's planned 10 sporting grounds designed to accommodate various sports including football, cricket, tennis and community events.
Creekwood Estate
Completed masterplanned residential estate featuring townhouses and family homes designed for families and young professionals on the Sunshine Coast. The estate includes parks, natural playground, tennis courts, skate park, community gardens, wetlands, and recreational facilities. All stages sold out with final precinct Creekwood Central completed in 2021.
Currimundi Community Hall Upgrade
The Queensland Government has allocated $1 million for the upgrade of the Currimundi Community Hall, a community hub offering a multi-use meeting place for various activities including yoga, dance, and indoor bowls.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis indicates Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of December 2025, with 7,312 residents employed. The area's unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%, but workforce participation is lower at 60.6%. According to Census data, only 12.1% of residents work from home.
The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with healthcare being particularly strong at 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.7%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.2% while employment decreased by 3.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%.
National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that employment is expected to grow by 6.6% 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,745. The average income in this area is $62,809. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes for Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) are approximately $55,396 (median) and $69,944 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) rank modestly, between the 31st and 35th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 32.8% of locals (4,953 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the area, with only 79.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 79.2% houses and 20.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Queensland had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) was 33.5%, similar to Regional Queensland's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 37.8% and rented dwellings made up 28.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure stood at $460, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households comprise 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 make up 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 Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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%. 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (30.2%). Educational participation is high, with 30.9% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.1% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 781 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is moderate, with residents on average located 403 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 12.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 111 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain North faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,611 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (8.6%), while 65.1% report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among working-age residents are broadly typical. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,619 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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) had a cultural diversity below average, with 77.1% of its population born in Australia, 87.0% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 51.6% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (8.7%).
Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.0%, South Australians 0.7%, and Maori 0.7%, compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 0.5%, and 0.8% respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North)'s median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North) was close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years old at the time of the census on 28 August 2021, both figures being higher than the Australian median age of 38. The cohort aged 75-84 was notably over-represented in Meridan Plains - Little Mountain (North), making up 10.4% of the local population compared to Regional Queensland's average. Conversely, the 55-64 year-olds were under-represented at 9.7%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of the population aged 35-44 increased from 12.3% to 13.4%, while those aged 5-14 decreased from 14.2% to 12.3% and those aged 65-74 dropped from 10.2% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate that the age cohort of 85 years old and above is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 543 people (78%) from 696 to 1,240. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of the projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 55-64 and 5-14 are expected to experience population declines.