Mount Low

Mount Low lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Mount Low as of Feb 2026 is around 6,123. This reflects an increase of 635 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,488. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,930 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 103 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 757 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Low's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Mount Low in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to expand by 3,275 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 53.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mount Low when compared nationally

Mount Low has seen approximately 37 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis using statistical area data. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 185 homes were approved, with a further 16 approved in FY26 to date. Each year, an average of 4.2 people have moved into the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This has resulted in supply lagging demand, leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $405,000. In FY26, there have been $3.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Mount Low has recorded 60.0% more development activity per person.

Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 365 people. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Mount Low to grow by 3,250 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Mount Low has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Sanctum Master Planned Community, Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Beaches, Bushland Beach Master Planned Development, and Townsville Business Park (40057 Bruce Highway). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Mount Low demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Mount Low has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with key services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.4%. The past year showed relative employment stability.

AreaSearch data aggregation indicates that 3,378 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.6% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation in Mount Low is high at 77.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.8% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction.

Mount Low specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share twice the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.1% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. In the past year, Mount Low's labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment decreased by 0.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. Rest of Qld, however, experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Low's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Mount Low had a median taxpayer income of $64,319 and an average income of $71,262 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, which contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest a median income of approximately $70,693 and an average income of $78,324 in Mount Low. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Low rank between the 81st and 82nd percentiles nationally. The largest segment of income distribution comprises 45.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with a total of 2,798 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income in Mount Low, and residents rank within the 81st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Mount Low is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mount Low's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Low was at 13.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (51.0%) or rented (35.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $370, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Mount Low's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 84.7% of all households, including 46.3% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.3%, with lone person households at 11.7% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (37.5%). Educational participation is high at 34.4%, comprising primary education (14.9%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (4.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Low has 16 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 105 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to public transport, with an average distance of 675 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Mount Low, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Mount Low are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Low's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population, around 3,394 people, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 10.0% of residents and asthma impacting 8.4%. About 72.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 6.9% of residents aged 65 and over, around 422 people, which is lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Mount Low is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Low's population showed low cultural diversity: 90.3% were citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 96.4% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 47.8%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Ancestry wise, Australian (32.2%) and English (27.8%) were the top groups, higher than regional averages of 26.5% and 19.0% respectively.

Scottish ancestry was at 7.8%. Notable differences included New Zealanders at 0.9% (vs regional 0.9%), Australian Aboriginal at 4.5% (vs 3.9%), and Italians at 4.4% (vs regional 2.4%).

Mount Low hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Mount Low has a median age of 29, which is younger than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mount Low has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 at 20.8%, but fewer residents aged 65-74 at 4.9%. This 25-34 concentration is notably higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 19.5% to 20.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 18.2% to 15.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Mount Low, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 66%, adding 844 residents to reach a total of 2,118. Conversely, the 85+ cohort is forecasted to remain unchanged at 37 people.