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 9,060 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 382 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,678 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,042, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 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. Mount Sheridan's 4.4% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. 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 1,227 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Mount Sheridan had approximately 14 new home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 73 homes. As of FY26, there have been 11 approvals recorded. On average, each new home built between FY21 and FY25 accommodated about 4.7 new residents. This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $451,000. In FY26, there have been $980,000 in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the past five years. Mount Sheridan shows reduced construction relative to the rest of Queensland, with 54.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity of new dwellings can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. The area's established nature is also reflected in its dwelling-to-population ratio of around 782 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market.

Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, preserving the suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. Mount Sheridan is expected to grow by approximately 1,209 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, 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 10% nationally

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance: Cairns Gateway Estate on Riverstone Road North, Cairns Southern Access Cycleway (Luke Azzopardi Cycleway), Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre, The Outlook.

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

Mount Sheridan has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of December 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. This rate is 0.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Mount Sheridan is 71.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%.

According to Census responses, 13.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries among residents are 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 Regional Qld's 4.5%.

Over the 12-month period ending December 2025, Mount Sheridan's labour force decreased by 1.4%, and employment declined by 2.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Mount Sheridan, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Mount Sheridan's median taxpayer income was $57,448 and average was $66,279. These figures were slightly lower than national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mount Sheridan are approximately $63,974 (median) and $73,808 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Sheridan clustered around the 57th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 38.7% of residents (3,506 people), reflecting broader area patterns where 31.7% occupied this range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remained for other expenses. Mount Sheridan's SEIFA income ranking placed 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. In comparison, Regional Qld had 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, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Mount Sheridan was $390, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Mount Sheridan's mortgage repayments were 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 account for the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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 residents aged 15+ have 20.9% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%, indicating potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.6% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 29.3%. Educational participation is high, with 31.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.7% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 seven different routes that together facilitate 730 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 357 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Mount Sheridan residents commute 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~4,844 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 7.2% of residents and arthritis impacting 6.1%. Seventy-three point eight percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,304 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are 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 exhibited higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 22.5% of its residents born overseas and 17.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mount Sheridan, accounting for 53.9% of the population. The most significant overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, comprising 2.1% of Mount Sheridan's population compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.6%), Australian (22.3%), and Other (14.6%). Notably, English ancestry was lower than the regional average of 29.6%, while Australian ancestry was slightly higher than the regional average of 20.8%. The 'Other' category showed substantial overrepresentation compared to the regional average of 6.9%. Additionally, certain ethnic groups were notably divergent in their representation: Australian Aboriginal at 5.0% (vs regional 3.9%), Samoan at 0.4% (vs regional 0.2%), and Italian at 4.5% (vs regional 2.4%).

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

Mount Sheridan's median age is 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Regional Queensland average of 41 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, Mount Sheridan has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 35-44 (14.6% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 75-84 (4.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 years has increased from 13.7% to 14.6% of Mount Sheridan's population. Conversely, the age groups of 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 have decreased from 15.3% to 13.8% and from 15.0% to 13.7%, respectively. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Mount Sheridan's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 350 residents to reach a total of 1,601. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is expected to decrease by 84 residents.