Mountain Creek (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Mountain Creek's population is estimated at around 12,329 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 379 people (3.2%) since the Census in April 2021, which reported a population of 11,950 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,310 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,672 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Mountain Creek has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in June 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 December 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 October 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to decline by 211 persons by April 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 234 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates that Mountain Creek has seen around 11 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 57 homes. As of FY-26 so far, six approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 4.4 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. Supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $454,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mountain Creek records markedly lower building activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, this activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 31.0% detached dwellings and 69.0% townhouses or apartments.

This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 78.0% houses. This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 597 people per dwelling approval, Mountain Creek reflects a highly mature market. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, which should see reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Mountain Creek 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 seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (Stage 1), Karawatha Drive Cycle Track, Mountain Creek Station (The Wave Stage 3 Metro), and Brightwater Estate. 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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The labour market strength in Mountain Creek positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Mountain Creek has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025.

This rate is 2.0% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 70.8%, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.6% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, with employment decreasing by 1.5% in Mountain Creek. This led to a fall of 0.8 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mountain Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Mountain Creek was $51,245 and average income was $67,291. This is slightly above national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median income in Mountain Creek would be approximately $58,414 and average income $76,705, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data indicates incomes in Mountain Creek are at the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 37.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with high housing costs consuming 19.1% of income. Despite this, disposable income is at the 56th percentile nationally, placing Mountain Creek in the 6th decile for SEIFA income ranking.

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

Mountain Creek's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.9% houses and 22.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mountain Creek was at 23.0%, with the remainder being mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (37.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. Weekly rent in Mountain Creek was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, Mountain Creek's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Mountain Creek features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.6% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.4%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Mountain Creek exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Mountain Creek trail regional benchmarks show that 25.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas make up 12.7% while certificates account for 27.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. Mountain Creek's three schools have a combined enrollment of 3,666 students as of the latest data available. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1049) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (29.7 places per 100 residents vs 20.9 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Public transport analysis shows 31 active transport stops operating within Mountain Creek. These comprise a mix of buses serviced by three individual routes, collectively providing 387 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 289 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 55 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mountain Creek's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mountain Creek.

Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~6,641 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 7.9% of residents respectively. 72.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.0% across Rest of Qld. As of 13th June 2021, the area has 13.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,615 people), which is lower than the 20.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Mountain Creek's population showed cultural diversity above average, with 8.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 44.8%. Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.2%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.2%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.3% versus regional 1.1%, South Africans at 1.0% versus 0.9%, and French at 0.7% versus 0.6%.

Mountain Creek's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mountain Creek's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Mountain Creek has a notably over-represented cohort of 45-54 year-olds (15.4%) and an under-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds (7.9%). As per the Census in 2021, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 13.0% to 14.3%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.0% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 16.7% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Mountain Creek's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 40%, adding 205 residents to reach 723. Residents aged 65 and older represent 67% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.