Mornington (Qld)

Mornington is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population for Mornington (Qld) stood at 1,826 as of May 2026. This marks a decrease of 20 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,846. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,863 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Mornington exhibited resilient growth patterns with a -0.3% compound annual growth rate, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% to 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. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decrease by 45 persons according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are expected to grow, with projections indicating an increase of 36 people within this demographic.

The level of residential development activity in Mornington is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Mornington has seen very limited development activity over the past five years, averaging less than one approval per year. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically met through specific local projects rather than broader market demand. It is important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Compared to other areas in Queensland and nationally, Mornington has much lower development activity. With a stable or declining population expected, there may be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Mornington should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Mornington 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 one major project expected to affect the region: Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap, Mount Isa Mines - Black Star Open Cut Project, Mount Isa Police Accommodation and Justice System Resourcing, Essential Pipeline Works - City Low and high Systems are key projects, with those listed below being 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 conditions in Mornington remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Mornington has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,148 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Mornington was 78.3%, significantly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 2.5% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries were mining, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Mining was particularly prominent with an employment share 8.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction was under-represented at 4.2% compared to Regional Qld's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area seemed to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2% and employment declined by 1.9%, resulting in a fall of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with an increase of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Mornington. These projections estimate a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mornington's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Mornington suburb has high national incomes. The median income is $67,869 and the average is $77,852. This contrasts with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $75,579 (median) and $86,696 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally are $1,100 weekly. In Mornington, 32.1% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (586 individuals), similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income.

Mornington displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mornington's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 47.8% houses and 52.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mornington was at 15.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 56.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Mornington was recorded at $245, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Mornington's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mornington features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 50.9% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 19.8% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 49.1%, with lone person households at 44.5% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Mornington demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Mornington's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 26.4% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, compared to 14.9% in the SA4 region and 16.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 7.2% and certificates for 30.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.4% in primary education, 11.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Mornington is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Mornington faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 58% (~1,059 people) have private health cover, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.1%) and mental health issues (6.4%). 72.5% claim to be free of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65 residents show better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 9.4% (171 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mornington was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mornington's cultural diversity is above average, with 22.8% of its population born overseas and 14.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mornington, comprising 51.4% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Mornington are Australian (24.6%), English (19.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (13.4%).

Notably, English ancestry is lower than the regional average of 29.6%, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Some other ethnic groups are notably divergent: Maori at 2.8% in Mornington compared to 0.8% regionally, Spanish at 1.0% versus 0.3%, and Filipino at 3.6% compared to 0.9%.

Mornington's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mornington is 34 years, which is notably lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Mornington has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (19.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.0%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 18.0% to 19.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.3%. The 5-14 age group also dropped from 11.1% to 9.7%. By 2041, Mornington's population is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 10%, reaching 387 people from 352. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.