Mount Sheridan

Mount Sheridan has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mount Sheridan's population is around 9,059 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 381 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,678 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,024 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,344 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 58.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,317 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mount Sheridan according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Mount Sheridan has seen around 14 new homes approved annually, totalling 73 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $376,000. Additionally, $980,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Mount Sheridan has significantly less development activity (54.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 861 people per approval, Mount Sheridan shows a mature, established area.

Population forecasts indicate Mount Sheridan will gain 1,282 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mount Sheridan has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway (Luke Azzopardi Cycleway), the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) Project, the Riverstone Road North Mixed Use Development, and the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Mount Sheridan demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Mount Sheridan features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.5%. As of December 2025, 4,999 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (71.6% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and education and training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration and safety, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry and fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% while employment declined by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mount Sheridan. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mount Sheridan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Mount Sheridan SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,381 with the average level standing at $70,776. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,464 (median) and $77,790 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mount Sheridan cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 38.7% of the population (3,505 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Mount Sheridan, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.7% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Mount Sheridan was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 28.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.6%) or rented (26.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,542, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Mount Sheridan's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 79.1% of all households, comprising 34.7% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Mount Sheridan exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Mount Sheridan trail regional benchmarks, with 20.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 20 active transport stops operating within Mount Sheridan, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 730 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 357 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 104 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Sheridan's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Mount Sheridan, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~4,900 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.2 and 6.1% of residents, respectively, while 73.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,250 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mount Sheridan was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Sheridan was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 22.5% of its population born overseas and 17.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Mount Sheridan is Christianity, which makes up 53.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 2.1% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mount Sheridan are English, comprising 24.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, Australian, comprising 22.3% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.0% of Mount Sheridan (vs 3.9% regionally), Italian at 4.5% (vs 2.4%) and Samoan at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).

Mount Sheridan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Mount Sheridan's median age is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 35 - 44 cohort is notably over-represented (14.6% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (4.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.0% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.5% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Mount Sheridan's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 29%, adding 370 residents to reach 1,655. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 group will contract by 77 residents.