Black Mountain (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Black Mountain's estimated population is around 1,605. This reflects an increase of 45 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,560. The change was inferred from AreaSearch estimates following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and two 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 (Qld) 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. Moving forward, demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas for Black Mountain (Qld) (SA2), with an expected growth of 166 persons to 2041 reflecting a total increase of 13.9% 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 construction activity over the past five years, with an average of one new dwelling approved annually, totalling six. This low development level is typical of rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity driven by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It's important to note that the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, 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. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Black Mountain is projected to grow by 223 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: 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.

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The labour market in Black Mountain demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Black Mountain has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025842 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags at 53.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, accommodation & food has limited presence with 6.0% employment compared to 8.3% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0% and employment fell by 1.3%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate national employment expanding by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years. Applying these projections to Black Mountain's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Black Mountain is below the national average. The median income is $44,245 and the average income stands at $60,154. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,630 (median) and $66,115 (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 (540 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, 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, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings present. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld where 96.1% were houses and 4.0% were other types. Home ownership in Black Mountain stood at 47.5%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure, 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 $1,800. Weekly rent in Black Mountain was $440 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $415. Nationally, Black Mountain's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

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

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 regional benchmarks indicate that 22.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This difference suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 14.9% and certificates for 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 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 shows relatively positive outcomes for Black Mountain residents.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~819 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.3 and 7.0% of residents respectively. About 70.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Rest of Qld. In Black Mountain, 23.4% (375 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 24.5% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in 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 below-average cultural diversity, with 85.4% of its population being citizens, 78.0% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 42.6%. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Rest of Qld (0.0% vs 0.1%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (10.8%). Dutch (1.8%) was notably overrepresented compared to the regional average (1.6%). Welsh and Polish also had higher representations than the region's averages, at 0.7% each.

Black Mountain ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Black Mountain's median age at 49 years significantly exceeds the Rest of Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 55-64 (18.0%), which is larger than in Rest of Qld, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 6.5%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. From 2021 to present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.1% to 18.0%. By 2041, Black Mountain's demographic is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 group will grow by 16 people, reaching 308 from 264. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 5 people.