Mount Cotton (Qld)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Mount Cotton has a population of approximately 7,718 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 416 people (5.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 7,302 people. The figure is derived from the resident population of 7,717, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures alongside address checks conducted after the Census date. With this population level, the density stands at 180 persons per square kilometer, which indicates low density living and potential capacity for future building projects. The main driver of population gains was natural increase, which was responsible for about 66.0% of the overall expansion in recent times.

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The local workforce is highly skilled with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of only 1.2% and a job growth rate estimated at 3.7% over the prior year. In March 2026, there were 4,890 employed residents. The unemployment level is 3.1% below the 4.3% recorded across Greater Brisbane, and the participation rate is exceptionally high at 85.2% compared to the 70.4% average for Greater Brisbane. Census data indicates that a moderate 19.5% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions.

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ATO records for the financial year 2023 show that incomes in the suburb of Mount Cotton exceed national averages, with a median of $61,160 and an average of $72,931. This compares favorably with Greater Brisbane, which recorded a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of $68,108 for the median and $81,216 for the average as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb were high, placing between the 86th and 93rd percentiles across the country. The largest cohort comprises 39.7% of the population (3,064 people) who earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which is similar to the broader region where fall into this range. High earnings are evident as of residents receive weekly incomes exceeding supporting local upscale retail and services. Housing costs absorb of income, disposable income ranks in the nd percentile nationally, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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The housing profile at the time of the latest Census consisted of 99.7% standalone houses and 0.3% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, contrasting with the Brisbane metro split of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other properties. Home ownership rates stood at 19.3%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (67.0%) or renters (13.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,100, which is higher than the Brisbane metro median of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $475, compared to the metro average of $380. Compared to national statistics, mortgage payments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent levels are also above the national average of $375.

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Family households make up 89.9% of the residential landscape, consisting of couples with children at 54.6%, couples without children at 26.2%, and single-parent households at 8.8%. Non-family households account for 10.1%, which includes lone-person households at 8.8% and group living situations at 1.2%. The median size of households is 3.1 people, exceeding the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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Academic credentials are lower than the regional averages, with 23.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university qualification, compared to 30.5% across Greater Brisbane. Among these tertiary qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational education is prominent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (14.7%) and certificates (29.8%).

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Analysis of transit options shows 12 active bus stops operating locally. These stops are served by 1 routes, which host 148 weekly passenger trips. Public transport accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 662 meters from the nearest stop. Private vehicles are the main form of transit, with 94% of residents using cars to commute. The average number of motor vehicles per dwelling is 2.1, which is higher than the regional average. Working from home was recorded for 19.5% of residents in the 2021 Census, though this may reflect conditions during the pandemic.

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Health outcomes for residents are generally positive. Analyses of mortality and medical conditions show results that align with national averages across different age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 56% of the population (~4,329 people) holding cover.

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Cultural diversity measures are lower than average, with 80.2% of residents born in Australia, 92.0% holding citizenship, and 94.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 45.9% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.6% of the population, compared to 1.3% in Greater Brisbane.

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The median age is 35 years, which is close to the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and slightly below the Australian average of 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, there is a higher proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (17.1% compared to 12.0% nationally) but a lower share of young adults aged 25 - 34 (10.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 rose from 1.8% to 3.6%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age group shrank from 13.2% to 10.9%, and the 35 to 44 age bracket fell from 17.9% to . Population models for predict significant shifts, with the + group projected to grow by , adding residents to reach . People aged + are expected to account for of total population growth, pointing to an aging population profile, while the to and to age cohorts are projected to contract.

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Mount Cotton currently has an estimated 586 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 286 children aged 0-2 and 190 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 480 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 965. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.