Suburb profile · Greater Brisbane
Mount Cotton has an estimated 7,699 residents, up 5.4% since the 2021 Census, with 59 projects tracked in the area around Mount Cotton.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Mount Cotton sits 29 kilometres southeast of the Brisbane CBD. AreaSearch estimates the suburb's population at around 7,699 as of Aug 2026, drawing on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released yearly and national address file data updated each quarter. That represents an increase of 397 people (5.4%) on the 2021 Census count of 7,302 residents. Population growth in the area follows a moderate expansion pattern. Residents include a high proportion of children and middle-aged adults, many of them living in family households made up of couples with children.
Market conditions show above-average median household income, strong representation of mortgage holders, and a high share of married families. Detached housing leads the housing stock, there is notable representation of residents aged 5 to 14, and the construction employment base is elevated. Education levels are above average and the area is very affluent. Latest population estimate date: Aug 2026.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Mount Cotton sits 29 kilometres southeast of the Brisbane CBD. AreaSearch estimates the suburb's population at around 7,699 as of Aug 2026, drawing on aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released yearly and national address file data updated each quarter. That represents an increase of 397 people (5.4%) on the 2021 Census count of 7,302 residents. Population growth in the area follows a moderate expansion pattern. Residents include a high proportion of children and middle-aged adults, many of them living in family households made up of couples with children.
Market conditions show above-average median household income, strong representation of mortgage holders, and a high share of married families. Detached housing leads the housing stock, there is notable representation of residents aged 5 to 14, and the construction employment base is elevated. Education levels are above average and the area is very affluent. Latest population estimate date: Aug 2026.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 3,219 in 2006 and 7,699 in 2025. The Aug 2026 estimate (ABS June 2025 base) is the same.
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 5 to 14, 17.1%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 39.7%.
Mount Cotton ranks in the 99th percentile nationally for employment drivers and the 95th for infrastructure drivers.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Mount Cotton is $725 a week, up 3.6% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 16% above Greater Brisbane.
16% above Greater Brisbane on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses: $457 in 2017, $740 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $725 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +3.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, houses | $740 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Brisbane | $627 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent, Greater Brisbane, over 12 months | +7.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, QLD | $632 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, QLD, over 12 months | +7.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
AreaSearch tracks 59 projects in and around Mount Cotton, 20 of them under construction.
Council-led regional sport and recreation precinct on a 159 hectare Mount Cotton site, planned to address Redlands Coast sporting land shortages while protecting major natural habitat areas.
Boutique development of 13 high-quality two-storey townhouses developed by Redland Investment Corporation on 3,559sqm site backing onto 16,650sqm of nature reserve. Features modern design, quality finishes and environmental rehabilitation of conservation area providing improved koala habitat.
A 42-hectare waterfront redevelopment at Redland Bay, comprising 36 hectares of land and approximately 6 hectares of Moreton Bay Marine Park. The Priority Development Area was declared in June 2013 to reinforce Weinam Creek as a regional gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands of Macleay, Lamb, Karragarra and Russell.
Southern Thornlands is a 890 hectare Priority Development Area declared on 4 April 2025 and managed by Economic Development Queensland. The PDA is intended to support around 8,000 dwellings, new activity centres, business and industrial employment areas, integrated infrastructure planning, parks, schools and community facilities, while preserving wildlife…
The Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) is a staged waterfront redevelopment in Redland Bay delivering expanded marina facilities, a new 3-lane recreational boat ramp (completed November 2024), additional car parking including a planned multi-storey car park, activated foreshore with retail, cafes, restaurants and medical services, and improved…
Major regional shopping centre expansion and renovation including new retail spaces, dining precincts, entertainment facilities and improved parking. One of Logan's largest retail and commercial developments.
Baya is a boutique masterplanned residential community by Villawood Properties comprising 224 homes delivered across seven stages on elevated bayside land at Redland Bay. The community includes neighbourhood parks, a linear park, environmental corridor, walking and cycling links, landscaped open space and public art.
Masterplanned residential estate by Urbex comprising 295 homesites across approximately 25 hectares at Victoria Point. The community includes landscaped parkland, playgrounds, walking and cycling trails, and conservation areas.
A 12-hectare mixed-use town centre development located opposite the existing Cornubia Shopping Centre on Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road. The project is anchored by a full-line supermarket and includes specialty retail, food and beverage outlets, commercial office space, and a medical centre, with provision for future residential integration.
An Olympic-standard whitewater facility located within the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct. The venue will host Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross for the Brisbane 2032 Games and serve as a year-round hub for athlete training, swift-water rescue drills for emergency services, and community recreation.
Cornubia Woods is a completed boutique residential estate of 48 large elevated homesites in a quiet cul-de-sac setting with a bushland backdrop in Cornubia, Queensland. Lots were delivered in 2024 as part of a low density house and land subdivision.
Woodbury Estate, developed and built by Fiteni Homes, is a master-planned community spanning 80 hectares to the west of Victoria Point. It comprises approximately 800 residential lots delivered across multiple staged releases, with around 45 hectares (roughly 25 percent of the community) set aside for open green space, protected bushland, walking and…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 28 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 3, 2026 3, 2027 7, 2028 6, 2029 1, 2030 4, 2031 1, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 3. 9 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 2 substantial development applications lodged in and around Mount Cotton over the period covered (about 4.3 years), none in the last 12 months. Coverage varies by council.
Status of the 2 tracked applications: 2 approved, 0 under assessment, 0 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 2 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.3 years) | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 0 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 0.5 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 6th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 4 | ABS building approvals | 10th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 2 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 4.3 years) |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Mount Cotton include: Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct (Under Assessment); Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (Approved); Logan Hyperdome Shopping Centre (Completed); Shoreline Redlands Master-Planned Community (Construction); and Birkdale Community Precinct (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Mount Cotton spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Sports & Recreation, and Health & Medical, among others.
The suburb of Mount Cotton ranks in the top 10% nationally for infrastructure development, reflecting exceptional investment activity compared to similar areas across the country.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Mount Cotton compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Mount Cotton area has seen 20 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Mount Cotton's current population of 7,699 has been supported by 4 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Mount Cotton has seen 0.5 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.1 approval in Greater Brisbane. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 767 people in the suburb of Mount Cotton, compared to one for every 117 in Greater Brisbane.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Mount Cotton's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 4, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Mount Cotton has grown by approximately 294 people, while 20 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 14.7 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Mount Cotton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,699 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +5.4% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Population density | 180 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 7,302 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 397 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +0.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.6% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 42.71 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Mount Cotton was estimated to be approximately 7,699 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 7,699 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Mount Cotton has added approximately 397 people and shown a 5.44% increase from the 7,302 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Mount Cotton is estimated at 180 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Mount Cotton has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.4% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Mount Cotton is driven by: Natural increase (66.0%), Overseas migration (34.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Natural increase, contributing 66.0% of overall population gains.
Mount Cotton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 35 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 18th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 9.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 24.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 23.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 53.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 34 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 7.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 17.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 16.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 15.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 10.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 5.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 3.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 0.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Mount Cotton at 35 years as at August 2026. That is up from the 2021 Census figure of 34 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 35 years as at August 2026, Mount Cotton is comparable to the Greater Brisbane 2021 Census average (36 years) and 3 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Mount Cotton compared to the Greater Brisbane region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 17.1% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Mount Cotton compared to the Greater Brisbane region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 11.1% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Mount Cotton show significant variance compared to Greater Brisbane. The most over-represented age groups are 5-14 year-olds (17.1% vs 12.3%) and 0-4 year-olds (7.6% vs 5.6%). The most under-represented age groups are 85+ year-olds (0.9% vs 1.8%) and 75-84 year-olds (3.4% vs 5.3%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 24.7% of the population in the suburb of Mount Cotton as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 9.9% of the population in the suburb of Mount Cotton as at August 2026.
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $68,630 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 81st percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $81,272 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $2,640 | 2021 Census, weekly | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,114 | 2021 Census, weekly | 86th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 39.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,715 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 7.7% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is approximately $73,510. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $68,630.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is approximately $87,050. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $81,272.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is approximately $73,510 compared to $66,053 in Greater Brisbane. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $68,630 and $61,668 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is approximately $87,050 compared to $82,596 in Greater Brisbane. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $81,272 and $77,113 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Mount Cotton's households (~39.7% / 907 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Mount Cotton is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 39.7% of households. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 33.3% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is $2,640/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is $2,715/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is $1,114/wk.
The suburb of Mount Cotton's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The suburb of Mount Cotton's median income among taxpayers is $68,630 and the average income stands at $81,272, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $61,668 and $77,113 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.11% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $73,510 (median) and $87,050 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Mount Cotton is $9,749 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Mount Cotton's disposable income is $9,749 compared to $6,725 for Greater Brisbane, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in Mount Cotton rank among the top 1% of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 1.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 85.2% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 4,897 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 6,091 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 4,959 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Mount Cotton has approximately 4,897 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 1.3%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. The area ranks in the top 25% nationally for employment performance, indicating a robust job market.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Mount Cotton stands at 1.3%, which is 3.1 percentage points below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.3%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Mount Cotton is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are construction (14.8% of employment), health care & social assistance (13.0%), and education & training (11.5%). Other significant employers include retail trade and manufacturing.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Mount Cotton has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Mount Cotton is 85.2%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Brisbane average of 70.1%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The suburb of Mount Cotton shows notable specialisation in construction, which employs 14.8% of the local workforce compared to 9.0% across Greater Brisbane. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of Mount Cotton's employment market shows strong performance nationally, ranking in the top 25% of areas assessed by AreaSearch. This indicates robust employment conditions and economic vitality compared to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.9% decline, ranking 29th out of 37 regions nationally.
Mount Cotton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 16.2% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.2% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 23.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 29.8% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 14.7% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 32.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 32.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 13.0% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.9% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
23.0% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Mount Cotton have university qualifications, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane.
32.6% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Mount Cotton have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.8% in Greater Brisbane.
The suburb of Mount Cotton ranks in the 75th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Mount Cotton are: Certificate (29.8%), Bachelor Degree (16.2%), Advanced Diploma (14.7%).
32.3% of the population in the suburb of Mount Cotton is currently engaged in formal education, including 13.0% in primary school, 8.9% in secondary school, 3.9% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Mount Cotton is 1049, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 1 schools within the suburb of Mount Cotton, with a combined enrollment of approximately 610 students.
The suburb of Mount Cotton includes 1 primary school.
Mount Cotton features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Brisbane.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 3.1 people | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 8.8% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 54.6% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 26.2% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 8.8% | 2021 Census | 28th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 1.2% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,287 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 2,411 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 89.9% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.6 per family | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Mount Cotton had 2,287 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 5.4% to an estimated 2,411 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Mount Cotton is 3.1 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Brisbane and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 89.9% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (8.8%), group households (1.2%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,056 family households, couples with children account for 54.6% of all households, couples without children at home 26.2%, and single parent families 8.8%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Brisbane, the suburb of Mount Cotton shows distinct household patterns. Family households are notably over-represented at 89.9% (versus 71.7% in Greater Brisbane). Conversely, lone person households are under-represented at 8.8% compared to 23.6% in Greater Brisbane. This family-oriented profile influences local demand for family homes, schools, and children's services.
Families in the suburb of Mount Cotton have an average of 1.6 children, slightly above the Greater Brisbane average of 1.5. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 59.2% of the adult population are currently married, while 30.2% have never married. This compares to 45.0% married and 38.4% never married across Greater Brisbane.
Single-person households represent 8.8% of all households in the suburb of Mount Cotton, notably lower than the average for Greater Brisbane of 23.6%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 1.2% of households, below the Greater Brisbane average of 4.7%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Mount Cotton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 19.8% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 5.8% | 2021 Census | 27th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 94.2% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 92.0% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 80.2% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.4% | 2021 Census | 51st percentile nationally |
Mount Cotton was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.0% being citizens, and 94.2% speaking English only at home.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Mount Cotton, at 45.9% of people, although more residents (52.4%) reported no religion. Christianity accounts for 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mount Cotton are English, comprising 33.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Brisbane's 26.8%, Australian, comprising 27.4% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South African is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Mount Cotton (vs 0.6% across Greater Brisbane), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 1.0%) and German at 4.7% (vs 4.2%).
19.8% of the suburb of Mount Cotton population was born overseas, compared to 28.5% across Greater Brisbane.
5.8% of the population in the suburb of Mount Cotton speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 18.7% in Greater Brisbane.
1.4% of the suburb of Mount Cotton population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 2.1% in Greater Brisbane.
92.0% of the suburb of Mount Cotton population holds citizenship, compared to 83.6% in Greater Brisbane.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Mount Cotton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Greater Brisbane.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 13.8% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 19.3% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 99.7% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,100 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 67.0% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 0.2% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $475 | 2021 Census, weekly | 86th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 18.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 18.4% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 8th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Mount Cotton, 19.3% of homes are owned outright, 67.0% are owned with a mortgage, and 13.8% are rented.
According to the latest data, 99.7% of dwellings in the suburb of Mount Cotton are houses.
In the suburb of Mount Cotton, 0.1% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 0.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Mount Cotton stands at 19.3%, compared to 26.7% in Greater Brisbane.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Mount Cotton is $2,100, compared to $1,863 in Greater Brisbane.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Mount Cotton is $1,691, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Mount Cotton, households with mortgages typically spend 18.4% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 18.0% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Mount Cotton is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Mount Cotton shows mortgage holders spending 18.4% of income on repayments (vs 23.3% in Greater Brisbane), while renters spend 18.0% of income on rent (vs 20.6% in Greater Brisbane).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Mount Cotton consists of 99.7% detached houses, 0.2% semi-detached dwellings, 0.1% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Mount Cotton consumes approximately 14.8% of median household income ($11,431 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Mount Cotton show attached dwellings contributing 0% of approvals compared to 0% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 100% of applications versus 100% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. The area shows minimal growth in housing density compared to other Australian locations.
Mount Cotton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 57.6% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 70th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 73.8% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 3.7% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 76.9% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.9% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
Around 57.6% of people in the suburb of Mount Cotton are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.1% in Greater Brisbane.
In the suburb of Mount Cotton, 3.7% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.7% of people in Greater Brisbane require similar assistance.
8.3% of people in the suburb of Mount Cotton are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.0% of the population across Greater Brisbane is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 2.7% of the suburb of Mount Cotton population, while in Greater Brisbane, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
2.4% of people in the suburb of Mount Cotton have heart disease. Across Greater Brisbane,3.5% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Mount Cotton, 57.6% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Brisbane sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.1%.
From the typical resident, the nearest pharmacy is 1.0 km away and the nearest child care centre 1.0 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 12 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 12th percentile nationally |
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 1.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 2.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 2.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 4.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 6.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 9.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 10.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 2 long day care centres with 246 places in Mount Cotton, about 1.9 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Mount Cotton is built to order and emailed to you.
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The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Mount Cotton.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is lower than average in Mount Cotton compared with local real estate markets nationally.
Mount Cotton has exceptionally high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 5% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Mount Cotton is $725 a week, +3.6% over 12 months to Jun 2026.
Population growth drivers in Mount Cotton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
Mount Cotton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide.
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis.
Employment conditions in Mount Cotton rank among the top 1% of areas assessed nationally.
Mount Cotton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
Mount Cotton features high concentrations of family households and couples with children but relatively few lone person households, with a larger average household size than Greater Brisbane.
Mount Cotton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Mount Cotton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Greater Brisbane.
Mount Cotton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.
Transport in Mount Cotton: transport access 31/100.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Mount Cotton has an estimated 7,699 residents, up 5.4% since the 2021 Census, with 59 projects tracked in the area around Mount Cotton.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Mount Cotton.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to May 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31952). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (May 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Mount Cotton from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Mount Cotton with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 31 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 31st percentile nationally |
| Vehicles per dwelling | 2.1 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 19.5% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
