Little Mountain

Little Mountain lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Little Mountain's population is estimated at around 11,782 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 714 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,068 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,329, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 235 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,556 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Little Mountain has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 4.0% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 76.0% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 5,071 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 47.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Little Mountain among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis shows Little Mountain had approximately 65 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 325 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.2 new residents per year arrive per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers. New homes are built at an average expected construction cost of $420,000.

This financial year has seen $35,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Little Mountain has significantly less development activity, being 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 (currently 85.0% houses), possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Little Mountain has around 323 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts estimate Little Mountain will gain 5,578 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Key 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.

Employment performance in Little Mountain exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Little Mountain has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. This rate is 1.2% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Little Mountain is on par with Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

Census responses indicate that a moderate 13.5% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 0.6% compared to the regional 4.5%.

The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Little Mountain's labour force decreased by 2.7%, while employment declined by 2.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Little Mountain's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolations of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows income in Little Mountain is below national average. Median income is $46,524 and average income is $59,399. In contrast, Rest of Qld has median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $51,135 (median) and $65,285 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Little Mountain modestly across household, family, and personal incomes, between 29th and 43rd percentiles. Income distribution shows 32.7% of population (3,852 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring regional levels at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at 43rd percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in fifth decile.

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

Little Mountain's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Little Mountain stood at 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.3% and rented ones at 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Little Mountain was recorded at $461, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $375 and the national figure of $345. Nationally, Little Mountain's mortgage repayments are 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 constitute 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 comprise 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 Rest of Qld 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%, comprising secondary education (10.9%), primary education (10.7%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

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 stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 419 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 387 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation 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 influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 59 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Little Mountain are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Little Mountain's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 51% (~5,978 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (8.0%). 65.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 24.3% (2,863 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader 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 population showed low cultural diversity, with 78.1% born in Australia, 88.1% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 53.2%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (26.3%), and Scottish (8.9%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, South Africans comprised 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Maori represented 0.7%.

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

Little Mountain's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-old group comprises 9.3% of the population, making them particularly prominent. Meanwhile, the 25-34 year-old group constitutes only 9.2%, which is smaller compared to Rest of Qld's percentage. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of 25-34 year-olds has increased from 8.2% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 11.8% during this period. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Little Mountain. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 66%, adding 1,030 residents and reaching a total of 2,598.