Mount Isa Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Mount Isa Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mount Isa Surrounds' population is approximately 4,366 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 322 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,044. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,309 in June 2024 and an additional 54 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Mount Isa Surrounds' 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's 2.6% growth, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.2% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below Australia's regional median is expected by 2041, with Mount Isa Surrounds anticipated to grow by 529 persons, reflecting a total increase of 10.8% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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 has 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 arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes is $593,000, suggesting developers focus on 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 Qld, Mount Isa Surrounds exhibits moderately higher building activity, being 48.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. However, this is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 434 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections indicate Mount Isa Surrounds adding 472 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mount Isa Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Essential Pipeline Works for City Low and high Systems, Mount Isa Mines' Black Star Open Cut Project, Parks Improvement Program, and Mount Isa Police Accommodation and Justice System Resourcing. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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Employment conditions in Mount Isa Surrounds demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Mount Isa Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.0%. Employment stability over the past year is relative. There are 2,655 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 64.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Leading employment industries include mining, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and transport, postal & warehousing. Mining has a notable concentration with employment levels at 6.9 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 5.3% of Mount Isa Surrounds's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. There are 1.2 workers for every resident, functioning as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, the labour force remained stable by 0.0% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Isa Surrounds's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.3%% over five years and 10.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Mount Isa Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $66,285 and an average of $81,692 in the financial year 2022. These figures are significantly higher than the Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes would be approximately $75,558 (median) and $93,121 (average). Census data shows individual earnings at the 90th percentile nationally were $1,172 weekly, while household income ranked at the 56th percentile. The dominant earnings bracket in Mount Isa Surrounds is $1,500 - 2,999, with 35.4% of residents (1,545 people) falling into this range. After housing costs, residents retain 91.0% of their income.

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

Mount Isa Surrounds' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.5% houses and 18.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares 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, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,500 and Australia's national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Mount Isa Surrounds was $206, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's $220 and the Australian average 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 the remaining 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.2%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 35.8%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 15.4% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education. Mount Isa Surrounds' four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 520 students as of the latest data. The educational mix includes two primary and two K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.9, falling below the regional average of 17.2, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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 conditions across all ages. Private health cover is exceptionally high at about 61% of the total population of 2,654 people, compared to 57.6% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and diabetes (6.0%).

A majority, 75.6%, report being free from medical ailments, similar to the 76.2% figure for the rest of Queensland. The area has 10.8% residents aged 65 and over (472 people), with seniors' health outcomes aligning closely 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 cultural diversity index below the average, 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 Mount Isa Surrounds' 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%).

Notably, Maori representation was higher at 0.9%, compared to the regional average of 1.3%. Samoan representation was 0.2%, lower than the regional average of 0.4%. Irish ancestry was also slightly overrepresented at 7.9% versus 6.7% regionally.

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

The median age in Mount Isa Surrounds is 34 years, notably lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 and substantially under Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mount Isa Surrounds has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.8%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 increased from 17.1% to 19.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 decreased from 12.8% to 10.9%, and the proportion of those aged 15 to 24 dropped from 14.1% to 12.9%. By 2041, Mount Isa Surrounds is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 1,091 people from the current 848. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.