Sheldon - Mount Cotton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Sheldon - Mount Cotton's population is approximately 8,706 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 349 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,357. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 8,703 in June 2024 and one validated new address post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 133 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Sheldon - Mount Cotton has exhibited steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outperforming its SA4 region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 69.7% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, using 2021 data, are adopted. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied when used. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth nationally, with Sheldon - Mount Cotton projected to expand by 190 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 2.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Mount Cotton has averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, a total of 53 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26. Each year, on average, around 5.5 people moved to the area per dwelling built during these years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being constructed is $395,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, $4.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sheldon - Mount Cotton shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 87.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

Furthermore, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1051 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Sheldon - Mount Cotton is expected to grow by 187 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Sheldon - Mount Cotton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct, Birkdale Community Precinct, Edge 521 Townhouses, and Redland Whitewater Centre. 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 Sheldon - Mount Cotton rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Sheldon - Mount Cotton has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominently represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of June 2025, there are 5,437 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 74.8%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction has a significant presence with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.0% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sheldon - Mount Cotton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch data for financial year 2022 shows Sheldon - Mount Cotton had median assessed income of $55,674 and average income of $66,350. Greater Brisbane's figures were median $55,645 and average $70,520. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $63,463 (median) and $75,632 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data from 2021 ranks Sheldon - Mount Cotton's household, family, and personal incomes between the 83rd and 93rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 36.3% (3,160 people) fall into the $1,500-$2,999 category, with a significant 40.5% earning above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.9% of income, and residents rank in the 93rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Sheldon - Mount Cotton's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 99.4% houses and 0.6% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 83.9% houses and 16.1% others. Home ownership in Sheldon - Mount Cotton was at 26.5%, with mortgaged properties at 62.7% and rented ones at 10.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Brisbane metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $475, higher than Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Sheldon - Mount Cotton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 89.6% of all households, including 52.3% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 10.4%, consisting of 9.0% lone person households and 1.5% group households. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Sheldon - Mount Cotton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Sheldon-Mount Cotton trail region, 23.4% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. Bachelor degrees are the most common (16.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.7% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 4.0% in tertiary education.

Mount Cotton State School and Sheldon College serve a total of 2,070 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1087) and functions as an education hub with 23.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.4, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Sheldon-Mount Cotton has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 392 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 584 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 56 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sheldon - Mount Cotton's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Sheldon - Mount Cotton.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and nearer to the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,561 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.7% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.6% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,126 people), which is lower than the 25.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Mount Cotton, Sheldon was found to have lower cultural diversity with 80.2% born in Australia, 92.0% being citizens, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 49.0%, compared to 52.8% across Greater Brisbane. Top ancestry groups are English (33.0%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, South African (1.3%) and Dutch (1.7%) are slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 1.6%, respectively. New Zealand representation is at 1.1%, slightly below the regional average of 1.2%.

Sheldon - Mount Cotton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sheldon-Mount Cotton has a median age of 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 5-14 years old shows strong representation at 16.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.2% to 5.0% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 8.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sheldon-Mount Cotton's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 57%, reaching 678 people from its current figure of 430. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 58% of the population growth during this period. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.