Mount Sheridan (Qld)

Mount Sheridan has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mount Sheridan's population is estimated at around 9,059 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 381 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,678 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,024, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,344 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% 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. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,317 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Mount Sheridan had approximately 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 73 homes. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.7 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which often leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value for new properties was $451,000. In FY-26, $980,000 in commercial development approvals were recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mount Sheridan has shown reduced construction levels, with 54.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's established nature is also reflected by its level being under the national average, potentially indicating planning limitations.

Recent development in Mount Sheridan has been entirely standalone homes, preserving its suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 782 people per dwelling approval, it reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mount Sheridan is expected to grow by 1,282 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Mount Sheridan has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Cairns Southern Access Cycleway (Luke Azzopardi Cycleway), Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project (CWSS1), Riverstone Road North Mixed Use Development, and Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre.

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.

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

Mount Sheridan has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 5,034 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is high at 71.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicate that 13.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.9% and employment declined by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Mount Sheridan. These projections suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mount Sheridan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 28 June 2023 for financial year 2023, Mount Sheridan had a median income among taxpayers of $57,448 and an average level of $66,279. This is lower than the national average of $61,765 and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, median income is estimated at approximately $63,141 and average income at $72,847. The 2021 Census shows household incomes in Mount Sheridan cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The most common income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, with 38.7% of residents (3,505 people). After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. Mount Sheridan's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Mount Sheridan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.7% houses and 1.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Sheridan was at 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.6% and rented ones at 26.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,542, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent was $390, higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Mount Sheridan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 79.1% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Mount Sheridan demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Mount Sheridan trail's educational qualifications lag behind national benchmarks. As of 2021, 20.9% of its residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (15.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 41.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.3%, while certificates make up 29.3%. Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. Primary education enrollment stands at 11.7%, secondary education at 9.5%, and tertiary education at 3.8%.

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

Mount Sheridan has 20 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 730 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average living 357 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 13.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 104 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mount Sheridan is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Mount Sheridan demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was approximately 53% of the total population (~4,843 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues impacting 7.2% of residents and arthritis affecting 6.1%. A total of 73.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area had 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,250 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mount Sheridan was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Sheridan's cultural diversity is above average, with 22.5% of its population born overseas and 17.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mount Sheridan, making up 53.9% of people there. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, comprising 2.1% of the population compared to Rest of Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English at 24.6%, Australian at 22.3%, and Other at 14.6%. Notably, Mount Sheridan has lower representation of English ancestry than the regional average (29.6%). Additionally, there are significant differences in certain ethnic group representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 3.9%, Samoan at 0.4% vs regionally 0.2%, and Italian at 4.5% vs regionally 2.4%.

Mount Sheridan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mount Sheridan's median age is 37 years, significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The 35-44 cohort is notably over-represented in Mount Sheridan at 14.6%, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 4.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.0% to 14.2% of Mount Sheridan's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.5%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Mount Sheridan's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 29%, adding 367 residents to reach a total of 1,654. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is expected to contract by 75 residents.