Mount Isa Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Mount Isa Surrounds are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Mount Isa Surrounds' population is around 4,366 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 322 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,044 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,309 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Mount Isa Surrounds' 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 54.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 529 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Isa Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mount Isa Surrounds averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 34 homes. As of FY-26, zero approvals have been recorded. On average, 14.1 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a significant gap between supply and demand, which often leads to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes was $593,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $2.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mount Isa Surrounds exhibited moderately higher building activity, being 48.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. However, this is still below the national average, suggesting an established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consisted predominantly of standalone homes (86.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (14.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval was 434 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mount Isa Surrounds is projected to add 472 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mount Isa Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are Mount Isa Mines' Black Star Open Cut Project, Mount Isa Police Accommodation and Justice System Resourcing, Essential Pipeline Works for City Low and High Systems, and the Parks Improvement Program. 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.

Employment performance in Mount Isa Surrounds ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Mount Isa Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.9%.

The area has an employed population of 2,649 residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 64.0%, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include mining, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and transport, postal & warehousing. Mining stands out with employment levels at 6.9 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 5.3% of Mount Isa Surrounds's workforce compared to 16.1% in Rest of Qld. The area has a worker-to-resident ratio of 1.2, indicating it serves as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby regions. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 0.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 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%. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate an increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Isa Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 4.3% over five years and 10.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Mount Isa Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $66,285 and an average income of $81,692 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is notably higher than the national figures, with Rest of Qld's median income being $50,780 and average income at $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $75,558 (median) and $93,121 (average). Census data indicates individual earnings are at the 89th percentile nationally ($1,172 weekly), while household income ranks at the 56th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 35.4% of residents (1,545 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 91.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power.

Mount Isa Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Mount Isa Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.5% houses and 18.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 77.3% houses and 22.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Isa Surrounds was higher at 26.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.2%) or rented (50.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,500 and Australia's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $206, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $220 and the national figure of $375.

Mount Isa Surrounds features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.1% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.1% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Mount Isa Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (35.8%). Educational participation is high, with 33.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 15.4% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.4% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Mount Isa Surrounds's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Mount Isa Surrounds shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (2,654 people), compared to 57.6% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Asthma and diabetes are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.3 and 6.0% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 75.6%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 76.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (472 people), with seniors' health outcomes broadly aligning with those of the general population.

Mount Isa Surrounds is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Isa Surrounds had a lower level of cultural diversity, with 79.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.9% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.5%), English (24.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (18.4%).

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori at 0.9% (vs regional 1.3%), Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.4%), and Irish at 7.9% (vs 6.7%).

Mount Isa Surrounds hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Mount Isa Surrounds is 34 years, which is notably lower than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years and also substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mount Isa Surrounds has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (19.4%) but fewer individuals aged 65-74 (6.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 grew from 17.1% to 19.4%, while the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 declined from 12.8% to 10.9% and the proportion of individuals aged 15 to 24 dropped from 14.1% to 12.9%. By 2041, Mount Isa Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 29%, reaching 1,091 individuals from a starting point of 848. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.