Meridan Plains

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Meridan Plains is around 4,862, reflecting an increase of 273 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Meridan Plains by AreaSearch was 4,739 in June 2024, with an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to the population growth. This results in a density ratio of 246 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Meridan Plains has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%, outperforming non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for age cohorts. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 444 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 8.1% over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Between FY2017 and FY2021, Meridan Plains saw approximately 4 new home approvals per year, totaling around 21 homes. As of FY26, there has been 1 approval recorded. Over the past five financial years, an average of 15.9 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed. The average construction value for new homes is $606,000.

This financial year, $5,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a primarily residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Meridan Plains has significantly less development activity, with 94.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 29.0% standalone homes and 71.0% attached dwellings, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. The estimated population count is 2394 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Meridan Plains is expected to grow by 392 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, Meridan Plains is expected to grow by 392 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Meridan Plains has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Aura District Sports Parks, Heritage Lane Estate Little Mountain, Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct, and Bells Creek Arterial Road. The following list details those most likely to be 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 conditions in Meridan Plains demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Meridan Plains has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 1.8%.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data and is lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Meridan Plains is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Meridan Plains's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Labour force levels decreased by 2.2% over the 12 months to June 2025 alongside a 1.5% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Meridan Plains. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Meridan Plains's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% 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 Meridan Plains' median income among taxpayers is $51,275, with an average of $65,465. This aligns with national averages and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,448 (median) and $74,624 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Meridan Plains rank modestly, between the 37th and 44th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.8% of locals (1,691 people) predominantly fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Meridan Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Meridan Plains' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.9% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meridan Plains was at 22.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.7%) or rented (45.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,850, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950 and close to the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Meridan Plains was $460, higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $450 and substantially above the national average of $375.

Meridan Plains has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Meridan Plains shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Meridan Plains show that 21.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.8% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (29.2%). Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (11.0%), secondary (10.2%), and tertiary (4.9%) levels.

The area has two schools serving a total of 3,090 students: Meridan State College and Pacific Lutheran College. Both offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. As an education hub with 63.5 school places per 100 residents, it attracts students from surrounding communities, exceeding the regional average of 13.2. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1066).

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

Transport analysis in Meridan Plains shows three active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 484 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 516 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 69 daily trips across all routes, which equates to around 161 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Meridan Plains is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Meridan Plains faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but are notably higher among older cohorts. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 53%, which is slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.4% and 8.8% of residents respectively. About 66.0% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 18.1% of Meridan Plains' population is aged 65 and over (880 people), which is lower than the 22.3% in Rest of Qld. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Meridan Plains records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Meridan Plains' cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average. It has 85.3% citizens, 75.9% born in Australia, and 91.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 47.9%.

Hinduism, however, is overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 0.7% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.1%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, New Zealand (1.1%) and French (0.6%) ethnicities are also overrepresented in Meridan Plains.

Meridan Plains's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Meridan Plains has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 years. This is also marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Meridan Plains at 9.4%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 5.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.2% to 14.4% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 7.1% to 5.5%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 14.7% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Meridan Plains's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 177 people (26%), growing from 685 to 863 individuals. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.