Mount Cotton

Population growth drivers in Mount Cotton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Mount Cotton's population is estimated at around 7,711 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 409 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,302 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,671, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 180 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the suburb 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 2022 as the base year. 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 28 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction 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

Mount Cotton has seen approximately six dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 34 homes have been approved between FY21 and FY25, with an additional six approved in FY26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 4.7 people over the past five financial years.

This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, likely leading to competitive buying conditions and pricing pressures. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at approximately $723,000 on average.

Commercial development approvals in FY26 totalled $72,000, reflecting Mount Cotton's residential focus. All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 689 people. Given stable or declining population expectations, housing pressure in Mount Cotton may ease, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Mount Cotton 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 identified nine projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Mount Cotton places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Mount Cotton has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year.

There are 4,825 residents currently employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. The workforce participation rate in Mount Cotton is 78.3%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 13.0% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force increased by 4.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Mount Cotton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Mount Cotton's median income among taxpayers was $61,142 and the average was $72,910. Nationally, the median income was lower at $58,364 with an average of $72,185. In Greater Brisbane, the median income was $55,645 and the average was $70,520. As of September 2025, estimates suggest Mount Cotton's median income would be approximately $69,696 and the average would be around $83,110 based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Cotton ranked highly nationally, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 39.7% of residents earned $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 33.3% fell into the same category. Mount Cotton demonstrated considerable affluence with 39.6% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounted for 14.8% of income while strong earnings placed residents within the 92nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Mount Cotton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mount Cotton's dwellings were 99.7% houses and 0.3% other types at the latest Census. Brisbane metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Mount Cotton's home ownership was 19.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 67.0% and rented ones at 13.8%. Median monthly mortgage repayments in Mount Cotton were $2,100, matching Brisbane metro's average. Weekly rent median was $475, while Brisbane metro had $0. Nationally, Mount Cotton's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Mount Cotton features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.1 people

Family households constitute 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 account for 10.1%, with lone person households at 8.8% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 3.1 people.

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

Mount Cotton's educational qualifications trail Greater Brisbane's regional benchmarks. Specifically, 23.0% of Mount Cotton residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 14.7% and certificates at 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.0% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Mount Cotton State School serves the local community, enrolling 610 students as of a certain date. The school operates under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1049), offering balanced educational opportunities focused exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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. There is one route serving these stops, offering a total of 148 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Mount Cotton is limited, with residents on average being 662 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 21 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Cotton's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mount Cotton with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,325 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.8 and 8.3% of residents respectively. 73.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Brisbane. As of 19 September 2021, 9.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (747 people).

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.2% of its population born in Australia. The majority were citizens, standing at 92.0%, and 94.2% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.9% of Mount Cotton's population.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category had a higher representation at 0.6% compared to None% across Greater Brisbane. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.2%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (8.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: South African was overrepresented at 1.4%, New Zealand at 1.2%, and German at 4.7% compared to None% regionally in each case.

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

Mount Cotton's median age is 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Mount Cotton has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.8%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of Mount Cotton's population aged 75-84 has increased from 1.8% to 3.5%, while the share of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 13.2% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Mount Cotton. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 58%, adding 156 residents to reach a total of 426. This growth contributes to the increasing proportion of residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to represent 56% of the population increase. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.