Black Mountain (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Black Mountain are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Black Mountain's population is estimated to be around 1,605 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 45 people (2.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,560 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,605, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 39 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 the Rest of Qld. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 165 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Black Mountain has seen minimal residential construction activity in recent years. On average, one new dwelling is approved annually, with a total of six approvals over the past five years. This low level of development is typical 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 statistics. Compared to other regions in Queensland and nationally, Black Mountain has much lower development activity. All recent developments have been detached dwellings, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are common. As of now, there are an estimated 3299 people per dwelling approval in the area, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Black Mountain is expected to grow by 228 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 in the future.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely affecting this region: Cooroy Sports Complex Master Plan 2020-2030 and Expansion, Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge Replacement, Noosa Trail Network Upgrade (Wahpunga and Woondum Trails), and Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program.

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 Black Mountain demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Black Mountain's unemployment rate was 3.0% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. It had an unemployment rate 1.1% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Black Mountain was 63.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

A moderate 19.7% of residents worked from home, based on Census responses. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stood out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Accommodation & food had limited presence, with 6.0% employment compared to 8.3% regionally.

Labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, and employment decreased by 1.4% over the 12 months to September 2025, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Black Mountain's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Black Mountain suburb is $44,245. Average income stands at $60,154. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $48,630 (median) and $66,115 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates household income ranks at the 44th percentile ($1,648 weekly), while personal income sits at the 24th percentile. Income distribution shows 33.7% of locals (540 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, consistent with surrounding region's 31.7%. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings recorded. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's mix of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Black Mountain stood at 47.5%, with mortgaged properties 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 $1,655. The median weekly rent in Black Mountain was $440, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Black Mountain's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $440 versus the national figure of $375.

Black Mountain features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average 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 account for the remaining 20.1%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Black Mountain trail has a university degree attainment rate of 22.8% among residents aged 15 and above, compared to Australia's 30.4%. The most common degree type is bachelor degrees at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are held by 44.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 14.9% and certificates at 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Black Mountain's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Black Mountain's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~819 people). The most common 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 compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.8% (381 people) compared to the state average of 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors align with national rankings, similar to those of the general population.

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, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 85.4% were citizens, 78.0% born Australian, and 97.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated religiously with 42.6%. Judaism was underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 0.1%.

Top ancestral groups were English (32.4%), Australian (27.6%), Scottish (10.8%). Dutch, Welsh, and Polish groups were notably overrepresented: Dutch at 1.8% vs regional 1.1%, Welsh at 0.7% vs 0.5%, Polish at 0.9% vs 0.4%.

Black Mountain ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Black Mountain's median age stands at 49 years, notably higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile reveals a prominent group aged 55-64 (17.8%), which is larger than both the Rest of Qld figure and the national average of 11.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is relatively smaller at 6.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 6.2% to 7.3%. During this period, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 19.1% to 17.8%. By 2041, Black Mountain's demographic is expected to shift significantly. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to grow by 17 people, reaching 306 from 261. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is forecasted to decrease by 3 people.