Nerang - Mount Nathan

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

Nerang - Mount Nathan's population is around 22,451 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,191 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,260 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 22,316 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 174 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 365 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Nerang - Mount Nathan has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to grow by 4,719 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 20.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Nerang - Mount Nathan when compared nationally

Nerang - Mount Nathan has received approximately 76 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 383 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.7 new residents per year have been arriving for each new home over these five years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $410,000. In the current financial year, there have been $30.3 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland over the past five years, Nerang - Mount Nathan has seen about 35.0% more development per person, suggesting good buyer choice and support for existing property values.

However, this activity is still below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent construction consists of approximately 63.0% standalone homes and 37.0% medium to high-density housing, including a growing mix of townhouses and apartments. This provides options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. The area has around 261 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. Future projections suggest Nerang - Mount Nathan will add approximately 4,584 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Nerang - Mount Nathan has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Beaudesert-Nerang Road Shared Path project, New Street Social Housing Development, Nerang State High School Cycle and Footpath Upgrades, and Nerang Precinct Redevelopment. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Nerang - Mount Nathan remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Nerang - Mount Nathan has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2021.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 2.1%. As of June 2025, 11,627 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is 1.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Nerang - Mount Nathan is 62.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment levels are particularly high at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, while labour force grew by the same percentage, keeping unemployment broadly flat at 5.3%. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% with a slight rise in unemployment to 4.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nerang - Mount Nathan's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Nerang - Mount Nathan had a median taxpayer income of $50,239 and an average income of $61,092. These figures are below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,267 (median) and $69,639 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Nerang - Mount Nathan rank modestly, between the 37th and 40th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 34.8% of residents (7,812 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Nerang - Mount Nathan displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Nerang - Mount Nathan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 66.8% houses and 33.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 71.9% houses and 28.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nerang - Mount Nathan stands at 25.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.7% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,842, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure is $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $435. Nationally, Nerang - Mount Nathan's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Nerang - Mount Nathan features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.9% of all households, consisting of 30.6% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households making up 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, 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 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (30.9%).

Educational participation is high at 28.4%, including primary education (10.2%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (4.0%). Six schools operate in Nerang-Mount Nathan, educating approximately 2,836 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1015) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes three primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Nerang - Mount Nathan shows that there are currently 66 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, which collectively provide 2,904 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically located an average distance of 549 meters from the nearest stop. On a daily basis, service frequency averages 414 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Nerang - Mount Nathan is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Nerang-Mount Nathan faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are prevalent across younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~11,225 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 9.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.7%. 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Rest of Qld. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,029 people), higher than the 16.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Nerang-Mount Nathan, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher-than-average cultural diversity with 9.3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 24.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.9%. Judaism, while small at 0.2%, was proportionally similar to Rest of Qld (0.2%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (26.0%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.8% (vs regional 1.8%), Maori made up 1.9% (vs regional 1.9%), and French residents totalled 0.6% (vs regional 0.5%).

Nerang - Mount Nathan's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Nerang - Mount Nathan is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 35-44 has a strong representation at 14.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage. However, the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent in Nerang - Mount Nathan at 10.7%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.2% to 12.4%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.5% to 12.3%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Nerang - Mount Nathan. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 1,337 people and reaching a total of 4,463 from the current figure of 3,125. Conversely, the 15-24 age cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%, with an increase of only 29 people.