Mount Louisa

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

As of Nov 2025, Mount Louisa's population is estimated at around 10,096. This reflects an increase of 869 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,227. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,953, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024). An additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date also contributed to this figure. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,012 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Louisa's population growth of 9.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. A significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with Mount Louisa expected to grow by 2,757 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Mount Louisa among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Mount Louisa has experienced around 47 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 239 homes. So far in FY-26, 38 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 new residents per year are associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $357,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In this financial year, $18.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mount Louisa has slightly more development activity, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 253 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Looking ahead, Mount Louisa is expected to grow by 2,571 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Mount Louisa has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Eleven projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Garbutt - Upper Ross Road (Riverway Drive) Stage 2 Duplication, Cosgrove Estate, Greater Ascot Estate, and Kirwan Health Campus Expansion. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Mount Louisa exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Mount Louisa has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, as aggregated by AreaSearch from statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 5,296 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Mount Louisa is higher at 71.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety has a particularly high employment share, at 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.5% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 2.0%, and employment decreased by 2.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mount Louisa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Mount Louisa's median income among taxpayers was $56,046 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $65,820 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $63,887 and average income around $75,028, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mount Louisa cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 40.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 4,038 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income. Mount Louisa's strong earnings rank its residents within the 74th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Mount Louisa's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Louisa was at 21.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.7% and rented ones at 33.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,626, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Mount Louisa was $350, higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $305. Nationally, Mount Louisa's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,626 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.1% of all households, including 37.4% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Mount Louisa aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates of 20.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (31.1%). Educational participation is high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.4% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 1,117 students collectively - Calvary Christian College and Eaton College. Both offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. School places per 100 residents (11.1) are below the regional average (16.7), indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Mount Louisa has 27 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 305 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average being located 370 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 43 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Louisa's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Mount Louisa's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. Approximately 53% of Mount Louisa's total population (~5,379 people) has private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.4% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 69.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. Mount Louisa has 11.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,201 people), lower than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

Mount Louisa ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Louisa, surveyed in June 2016, had a population with 86.5% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 57.4%. This figure is higher than the regional average of 52.7% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.8%), English (26.5%), and Irish (7.7%). Notably, Italian ancestry was overrepresented at 4.9%, compared to 3.6% regionally. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was at 4.8%, slightly lower than the regional average of 5.0%. German ancestry was also slightly higher at 4.3%, compared to 4.0% regionally.

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

The median age in Mount Louisa is 34 years, which is notably lower than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mount Louisa has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (7.1%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the age group of 25 to 34 grew from 14.6% to 16.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.1% to 14.9%. By 2041, Mount Louisa is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 group growing by 48%, adding 777 people and reaching a total of 2,403 from 1,625 previously. The 5 to 14 group displays more modest growth at 1%, adding only 18 residents.