Mount Cotton

Population growth drivers in Mount Cotton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Mount Cotton's population is estimated at around 7,598. This reflects an increase of 296 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,302 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,582, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 177 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 43 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Mount Cotton shows approximately 5 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 26 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.2 new residents per year are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $646,000, targeting the premium market segment. All new construction in Mount Cotton consists of detached dwellings, maintaining its low density character and appealing to families seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 892 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mount Cotton is projected to grow by 68 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area, Redlands Satellite Health Centre (Talwalpin Milbul), Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct, and Logan Hyperdome Shopping Centre. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Mount Cotton performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Mount Cotton has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 0.9% as of September 2025. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. The employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.4%.

There are 4,942 residents currently in work, and the workforce participation rate is high at 86.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 19.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Mount Cotton shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 13.0% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while the labour force grew by 6.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.8%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Mount Cotton's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

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

Mount Cotton's median income among taxpayers was $61,160 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $72,931 during the same period. These figures are higher than Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.91% increase in wages since financial year 2023 suggest the median income will be approximately $67,221 and the average income will be around $80,158. According to the 2021 Census, Mount Cotton's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 86th and 93rd percentiles nationally. The majority of residents (39.7%, or 3,016 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 33.3%. A significant proportion, 39.6%, earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses account for 14.8% of income, and residents rank highly in terms of disposable income (92nd percentile) and SEIFA income ranking (8th decile).

Mount Cotton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Mount Cotton's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 99.7% houses and 0.3% other types (semi-detached, apartments, others). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Cotton was 19.3%, with mortgaged properties at 67.0% and rented ones at 13.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Brisbane's $1,863. Median weekly rent was $475, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, Mount Cotton's repayments were significantly higher ($2,100 vs $1,863), and rents substantially above the national figure of $375 (at $475).

Mount Cotton features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 89.9% of all households, including 54.6% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 10.1%, with lone person households at 8.8% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Mount Cotton trail's educational qualifications are below Greater Brisbane's regional benchmarks. Specifically, 23.0% of Mount Cotton residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. This indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 14.7% and certificates for 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Cotton has 12 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering a total of 148 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 662 meters from the nearest stop. Most Mount Cotton residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Cotton's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Mount Cotton's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

The prevalence of common health issues among residents is low but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is high, with approximately 56% (4,262 people) having it. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.8 and 8.3% of residents respectively. About 73.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 10.5% (797 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%, but still ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

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, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 80.2% of residents born in Australia and 92.0% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 94.2%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 45.9%.

The 'Other' religious group comprised only 0.6%, compared to 1.3% regionally. In terms of ancestry, Mount Cotton had high percentages of English (33.2%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (8.0%) heritage, exceeding regional averages. Notably, South African (1.4%), New Zealand (1.2%), and German (4.7%) ancestry were also overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane's averages.

Mount Cotton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Mount Cotton has a median age of 34, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and substantially under Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Mount Cotton has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (17.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.4%). This 5-14 concentration is well above the national figure of 12.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 1.8% to 4.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.0% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Mount Cotton in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 45%, adding 138 residents to reach 442. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 56% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.