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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the Meridan Plains statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 4,688. This reflects a growth of 99 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,589. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,582 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 237 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Meridan Plains (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%, outpacing 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 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected for Meridan Plains (SA2), with an expected increase of 496 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Meridan Plains had approximately 5 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 29 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 11.5 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $606,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $17,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Meridan Plains has significantly less development activity (92.0% below regional average per person), which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is also lower than nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 72.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1197 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Meridan Plains is expected to grow by 618 residents through to 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.

Meridan Plains 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 identified 45 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Aura District Sports Parks, Heritage Lane Estate Little Mountain, Bells Creek Arterial Road, and Aura (Caloundra South) - Stockland Development. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of September 2025.

At this time, 2,472 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Meridan Plains is similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialisation 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 4.5% in Rest of Qld. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.5%, and employment declined by 2.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Meridan Plains's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released its latest postcode level ATO data for the financial year ended June 2023. In Meridan Plains, the median income among taxpayers was $51,275, with an average of $65,465. This is below the national average. The Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth since June 2023, estimated incomes for Meridan Plains as of September 2025 are approximately $56,356 (median) and $71,953 (average). The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Meridan Plains rank modestly, between the 37th and 44th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.8% of locals (1,631 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Meridan Plains, 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

The latest Census evaluated Meridan Plains' dwelling structure as 71.9% houses and 28.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meridan Plains was 22.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented dwellings at 45.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,850, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $1,950. The median weekly rent figure was $460, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Meridan Plains' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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

Meridan Plains has lower educational qualifications than the Australian average. As of 2021, 21.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. University graduates make up the largest group at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate degree holders (3.8%) and graduate diploma holders (2.1%). Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such credentials.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.6% and certificates for 29.2%. Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary (11.0%), secondary (10.2%), and tertiary (4.9%) levels.

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

Transport analysis indicates three active stops operating in Meridan Plains, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by two individual routes, collectively facilitating 441 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically residing 516 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 147 weekly trips per 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 with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across all age groups but notably higher among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53%, which is slightly above the average for SA2 areas, covering around 2491 people in total. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.4% and 8.8% of residents respectively. Approximately 66% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, which is similar to the rate across Rest of Qld (66.2%). The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.1%, compared to the state average of 22.3%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in 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 its broader region, with 85.3% of residents being citizens, 75.9% born in Australia, and 91.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 47.9%. Hinduism is overrepresented, comprising 1.2%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

The top ancestry groups are English (32.1%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.0%). Notable ethnic group divergences include New Zealand (1.1% vs regional 1.1%), French (0.6% vs 0.5%), and South African (0.6% vs 0.6%).

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 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented in Meridan Plains at 14.4%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented locally at 7.1%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 13.2% to 14.4% of the population in Meridan Plains. During this period, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 7.1% to 5.6%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 14.7% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Meridan Plains' age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 213 people (32%) from 665 to 879. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.