Glen Innes

Glen Innes is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Glen Innes's population is around 9,075 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 144 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,931 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,978 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 61 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Glen Innes's 1.6% growth since the census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 66.0% 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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 61 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 0.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Glen Innes, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Glen Innes has recorded around 15 residential properties granted approval annually, with 78 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0.4 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $297,000. Additionally, $7.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Glen Innes records about 62% of the building activity per person and ranks within the 27th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 645 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Glen Innes may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Glen Innes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Glen Innes Battery Energy Storage System, New England Highway Safety Upgrades, Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment, and St Joseph's Convent Function Centre (Glen Innes), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

While Glen Innes retains a healthy unemployment rate of 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Glen Innes features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 4.0%. As of December 2025, 4,239 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.9% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.6 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 6.2% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.9% combined with employment decreasing by 1.6%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Glen Innes. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Glen Innes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Glen Innes SA2's median income among taxpayers is $39,405, with an average of $45,435. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $42,896 (median) and $49,461 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Glen Innes all fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 32.3% of the population (2,931 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, diverging from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. The concentration of 43.7% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 87.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

Glen Innes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Glen Innes, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Glen Innes was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 48.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.7%) or rented (25.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Glen Innes's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Glen Innes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 61.8% of all households, comprising 18.2% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 35.6% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Glen Innes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.2%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 464 active transport stops operating within Glen Innes, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 37 individual routes, collectively providing 1,483 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 271 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 16.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 211 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Glen Innes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Glen Innes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,210 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.1 and 9.7% of residents, respectively, while 58.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 30.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,773 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Glen Innes placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Innes was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.7% of its population being citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Glen Innes is Christianity, which makes up 64.4% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Glen Innes are English, comprising 32.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Glen Innes (vs 4.6% regionally), Irish at 9.1% (vs 8.8%) and German at 3.9% (vs 3.1%).

Glen Innes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 50, Glen Innes is notably exceeding the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 15.8% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.6% to 10.9% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Glen Innes's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 245 people (70%) from 350 to 596. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 cohorts.