Mount Louisa
Statistical Area - sa2

Mount Louisa lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mount Louisa's population is around 11,130 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,020 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,110 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,944 in June 2024 and an additional 198 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 352 persons per square kilometer. Mount Louisa's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 57.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort where utilized. A significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 3,049 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 24.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mount Louisa among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Mount Louisa averaged approximately 58 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS covers financial years, with 290 dwellings approved over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), and a further 13 approved in FY-26. On average, about three people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating steady demand supporting property values. New homes were built at an average construction cost of $357,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen approximately $22.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland. Mount Louisa has slightly higher development activity than the regional average (34.0% above), balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. Ninety-one percent of new buildings were detached houses, with nine percent being attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The area currently accommodates approximately 220 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Future projections estimate Mount Louisa will add around 2,776 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting property price increases.

Mount Louisa has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, Cosgrove Estate development, Greater Ascot Estate planning, and Kirwan Health Campus Expansion. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

Employment performance in Mount Louisa exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Mount Louisa has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of June 2025.

There were 5,899 residents in work at this time, with an unemployment rate 0.6% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was higher than standard, at 71.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialisation in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence, with only 0.4% employment compared to the regional level of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicated a higher than usual level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.0%, while employment decreased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and the labour force grew by 2.0%. By Sep-25, state-level data showed Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with a higher employment growth rate of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggested that Mount Louisa's employment could grow by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Mount Louisa had a median taxpayer income of $56,165 and an average of $65,960 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $62,742 (median) and $73,684 (average) as of March 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mount Louisa cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.8% of residents (4,429 people), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing accounts for 14.2% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 71st percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Mount Louisa is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Mount Louisa's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was predominantly houses at 94.2%. Other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') constituted 5.7% of total dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Louisa was at 21.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.0% and rented ones at 35.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $1,517. Median weekly rent in Mount Louisa was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Mount Louisa's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,647 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mount Louisa features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 77.8% of all households in the area, with couples with children making up 36.0%, couples without children at 27.5%, and single parent families accounting for 13.0%. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size in this area is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Mount Louisa aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.9% and certificates for 31.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education. Schools include Calvary Christian College and Eaton College, serving a total of 1,117 students. Mount Louisa School has typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 998) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. The school places per 100 residents is 10.0, below the regional average of 16.7, indicating some students may attend adjacent area schools.

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

Mount Louisa has 31 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 311 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents living an average of 417 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 44 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Louisa's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Mount Louisa's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. Private health cover rate in Mount Louisa is approximately 52% of the total population (~5,832 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 8.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. Mount Louisa has 11.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,322 people), which is lower than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

Mount Louisa ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Louisa was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 86.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Mount Louisa is Christianity, comprising 56.7% of the population, compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.9%), English (26.6%), and Irish (7.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher than average at 5.0%, while Italian (4.7%) and German (4.3%) representations are also notably higher compared to regional averages of 3.6% and 4.0% respectively.

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

The median age in Mount Louisa is 34 years, which is notably lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mount Louisa has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 16.9%, but fewer 65-74 year-olds at 7.2%. Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds increased from 15.4% to 16.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 13.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 15.5% to 14.3%. By 2041, Mount Louisa's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25 to 34 year-old group will grow by 48%, adding 896 people and reaching a total of 2,779 from the previous count of 1,882. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group will display more modest growth at 1%, adding only 14 residents.