Mount Louisa

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 was approximately 11,119 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,009 people, a 10.0% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 10,110. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,936 in June 2024 and an additional 197 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 351 persons per square kilometer. Mount Louisa's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the area expected to expand by 3,049 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 25.1% 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 over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 290 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 54 approved in FY26 as of the present time. The area has seen an average of three people moving to it per new home constructed each year over these five financial years, indicating robust demand that should support property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $251,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26 alone, there have been $22.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mount Louisa has seen slightly higher development activity with 34.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses at 91.0%, with attached dwellings making up the remaining 9.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The location currently has approximately 220 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for further growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mount Louisa is projected to add 2,787 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting property price increases.

Mount Louisa has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, Cosgrove Estate, Greater Ascot Estate, and Kirwan Health Campus Expansion. 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 Louisa demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mount Louisa has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.2% as of September 2025.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. There are 5,913 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate 0.9% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Mount Louisa is high at 71.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.

Public administration & safety has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4% compared to 4.5% regionally. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels remained stable by 0.0%, labour force increased by 0.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw 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%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Louisa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Mount Louisa SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,165 and an average income of $65,960 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $54,378 (median) and $67,861 (average). In contrast, Rest of Qld had median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively in 2022. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, Mount Louisa's estimated median income is approximately $64,022 and average income is $75,188. The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Louisa were at the 70th percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that 39.8% of residents (4,425 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, consistent with broader regional trends where 31.7% were in the same category. Housing expenses accounted for 14.2% of income. Mount Louisa residents ranked within the 71st percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, comprised 94.2% houses and 5.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' 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 average of $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 group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.8% of all households, including 36.0% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. 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 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 32.1%, with 12.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by four routes that together offer 311 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents located an average of 417 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 44 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 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.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~5,826 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.6% and 8.4% of residents respectively. 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. The area has 11.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,320 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, 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, making up 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, certain ethnic groups have higher representation in Mount Louisa than regionally: Australian Aboriginal at 5.0% versus 5.0%, Italian at 4.7% versus 3.6%, and German at 4.3% versus 4.0%.

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

The median age in Mount Louisa is 34 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and also substantially below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mount Louisa has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.9%) but fewer individuals aged 65-74 (7.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has 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 decreased from 15.5% to 14.3%. By 2041, Mount Louisa's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 48%, adding 898 people and reaching a total of 2,779 from the current 1,880. The 5 to 14 age group is expected to grow by 1%, with an increase of just 15 residents.