Black Mountain (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Black Mountain as of November 2025 is around 1,666. This reflects an increase of 106 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,560. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,659 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 41 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Black Mountain has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outpacing non-metro areas. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 72% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Note that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area projected to grow by 169 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of approximately 9.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Black Mountain recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Black Mountain has seen minimal construction activity with two new dwellings approved annually on average over the past five years, totalling eleven. This low development level is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Black Mountain has much lower development activity compared to the rest of Queensland and its development pattern is well below national averages. Recent development in the area has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, reflecting its rural character where larger properties and space are typical. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 367 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Black Mountain is expected to grow by 165 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Black Mountain has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these key projects are the Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan 2020-2030 and Expansion, the Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge Replacement, the Noosa Trail Network Upgrade (Wahpunga and Woondum Trails), and the Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 employment environment in Black Mountain shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Black Mountain has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025.

Over the past year, relative employment stability was observed based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025858 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 53.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area had particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, accommodation & food had limited presence with 6.0% employment compared to 8.3% regionally. The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area, aggregated from wider statistical area data over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6% combined with employment decreasing by 0.2%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered further insight into potential future demand within Black Mountain. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Black Mountain's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Black Mountain is below the national average. The median assessed income is $44,245 while the average income stands at $60,154. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $50,435 (median) and $68,570 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household income ranks at the 44th percentile ($1,648 weekly), while personal income sits at the 24th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 33.7% of locals (561 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Black Mountain is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Black Mountain's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were entirely houses with no other dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Black Mountain was 47.5%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.3% and rented ones at 7.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,800 but lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Black Mountain was $440, slightly above Non-Metro Qld's $415 and significantly higher than the national average of $375.

Black Mountain features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 79.9% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 41.7% couples without children, and 5.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.1%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

Educational achievement in Black Mountain places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Education qualifications in Black Mountain trail regional benchmarks indicate that 22.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.9%) and certificates (30.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in secondary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Black Mountain's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Black Mountain residents shows a low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~850 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.3% of residents) and mental health issues (7.0%). A majority, 70.4%, report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the 68.1% reported across the rest of Queensland. Black Mountain has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.5% (391 people), compared to the state average of 24.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Black Mountain are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

Black Mountain is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Black Mountain had a cultural diversity index below average, with 85.4% citizens, 78.0% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 42.6%. Judaism, however, was not represented (0.0%) compared to Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (10.8%). Dutch (1.8% vs regional 1.6%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.7%), and Polish (0.9% vs 0.4%) showed notable divergences in representation.

Black Mountain ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 49 years, Black Mountain's median age is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 17.9%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 6.5% compared to the Rest of Qld. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 19.1% to 17.9%. By 2041, Black Mountain's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 12 people, reaching 308 from 274. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 11 people.