Little Mountain

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Little Mountain is around 11,562. This figure reflects an increase of 494 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,068. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 11,412 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 238 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,527 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth was interstate migration contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive contributors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth of regional areas across the nation. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 2,162 persons, reflecting a total gain of 17.4% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Little Mountain when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Little Mountain had approximately 65 new home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 325 homes. As of FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth for each dwelling built in the area was 1.7 people per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating stable market conditions. However, this figure has eased to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting improved supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $419,000.

In FY-26, $35,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Little Mountain has significantly less development activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 52.0% detached houses and 48.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 85.0% houses. This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Little Mountain has a low density characteristic with around 301 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate the area will gain approximately 2,012 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, but buyers might face increasing competition as population increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Aura District Sports Parks, Aura (Caloundra South) Infrastructure, Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct, and Heritage Lane Estate Little Mountain. The following list details those 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, Little Mountain has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Little Mountain has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 5,349 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stands at 58.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 13.5% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 6.1% and employment declined by 6.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Little Mountain's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Little Mountain is $46,524 and average income stands at $59,399. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Little Mountain would be approximately $51,809 (median) and $66,147 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Little Mountain rank modestly between the 29th and 43rd percentiles. Distribution data reveals that 32.7% of the population fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Little Mountain, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Little Mountain, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Little Mountain stood at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 41.3% and rented ones accounting for 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, exceeding Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Little Mountain was recorded at $461, compared to Regional Queensland's $375 and Australia's national average of $375 for rents. Nationally, Little Mountain's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

Little Mountain features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 77.3% of all households, including 35.5% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (31.1%). Educational participation is high at 30.5%, with 10.9% in secondary education, 10.7% in primary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in secondary education, 10.7% in primary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Little Mountain has 22 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by five different routes that collectively facilitate 419 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 387 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most inhabitants commute outward, with cars being the predominant mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 13.5% of residents work from home, which may be partly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 59 trips daily, equating to roughly 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Little Mountain is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Little Mountain faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~5,866 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.2 and 8.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,763 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Little Mountain ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Little Mountain's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 78.1% of its population born in Australia, 88.1% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 53.2%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (26.3%), and Scottish (8.9%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.0%, South Australians 0.7%, and Maori 0.7%, differing from regional averages of 0.9%, 0.5%, and 0.8% respectively.

Little Mountain hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Little Mountain's median age is 44 years, slightly above Regional Queensland's average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 85 and over make up 4.6% of the population, while the 25 to 34 age group comprises 8.6%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.9% to 13.3%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 9.9% and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Little Mountain. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow by 30%, adding 491 residents to reach a total of 2,110. Conversely, the number of individuals aged 15 to 24 is expected to decrease by 99.