Meridan Plains (Qld)

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Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address validations by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Meridan Plains is estimated to have a population of 4,570 as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 19 people (0.4%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 4,589 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 4,560 estimated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with 64 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level translates to a density ratio of 231 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low density with space for potential expansion. Over the last decade, the suburb of Meridan Plains has shown stable growth with a 3.0% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA4 region. Population expansion in the area was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 54.0% of total gains in recent times.

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Meridan Plains has a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,321 residents are employed, which places the unemployment rate at 1.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is very close to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Census data indicates a low 11.3% of residents work from home, although the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be noted.

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Income levels in the suburb of Meridan Plains are slightly below the national average based on the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in the suburb of Meridan Plains is $51,275, while the average income is $65,465, compared to Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be roughly $57,100 for the median and $72,902 for the average as of March 2026. Census findings show household, family, and individual incomes are all modest in Meridan Plains, ranking between the 37th and 44th percentiles. The weekly income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, which contains 34.8% of residents (1,590 people), consistent with the broader area where this cohort accounts for . Housing costs present a heavy burden, leaving only of income available, which ranks at the th percentile, while the area's SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

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The housing mix in Meridan Plains at the time of the last Census consisted of 71.9% houses and 28.2% alternative dwellings (semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types), compared to Regional Qld's breakdown of 76.4% houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings. Home ownership in Meridan Plains was lower than the Regional Qld average, standing at 22.2%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (32.7%) or renters (45.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional Qld average at $1,850, and the median weekly rent was $460, compared to Regional Qld figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Meridan Plains are below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are considerably higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 73.8%, consisting of 29.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 26.2%, with single-person households representing 22.8% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size of 2.6 residents is slightly larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment levels in Meridan Plains are lower than regional benchmarks, with 21.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference suggests opportunities for further educational advancement and skill acquisition. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (29.2%).

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Analysis of public transport shows 3 active transit stops within Meridan Plains, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 2 separate routes, which combine to support 441 passenger journeys every week. Transit accessibility is moderate, with residents living an average of 516 meters from their closest stop. As a predominantly residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary choice at 94% and cycling at 2%. Households own an average of 1.3 vehicles, which is below the regional average. A low 11.3% of residents work from home (based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements).

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Health indicators highlight notable difficulties in Meridan Plains, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease rates, with a significantly higher prevalence of common health problems than average, particularly within the older demographic groups, while the rate of private health insurance is slightly above the average SA2 area at roughly 53% of the population (~2,428 people).

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Meridan Plains is close to the wider region's average in terms of cultural background, with 85.3% of residents holding citizenship, 75.9% born in Australia, and 91.8% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, which is practiced by 47.9% of local residents. The most visible overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which represents 1.2% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

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With a median age of 36, Meridan Plains is notably younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and slightly younger than the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, the 15 - 24 cohort is over-represented (14.1% locally), while the 65 - 74 bracket is under-represented (5.3%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has expanded from 13.1% to 14.4% of the population. In contrast, the 65 to 74 group has shrunk from 7.1% to 5.3%, and the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 14.7% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling indicates the age profile of Meridan Plains will shift by with the to age bracket projected to grow by people () from to while the to and to groups are expected to contract.

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Meridan Plains currently has an estimated 287 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 142 children aged 0-2 and 95 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 322 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 451. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.