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

Glen Innes' population is approximately 9,074 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 143 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,931. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,978 in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.7 persons per square kilometer. Glen Innes' 1.6% growth since the census places it within 1.5 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.1%. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth in regional areas nationally, with Glen Innes expected to increase by 61 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 0.4% in total over these 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 78 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, approximately 0.4 new residents per year arrived for each new home approved, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings during this period was $297,000. In FY-26, $7.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Comparatively, Glen Innes records about 62% of the building activity per person when measured against the Rest of NSW. Nationally, it places among the 27th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This level is also below average nationally, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Glen Innes 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 people per dwelling approval is 645, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Glen Innes may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that may impact 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). The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Glen Innes remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Glen Innes has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

As of September 2025, 4,289 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Glen Innes is somewhat below the regional average at 58.5%, compared to 61.5% for Rest of NSW. According to Census data, 16.5% of residents work from home. The key industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Glen Innes has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share three times the regional level. However, construction has limited presence at 6.2%, compared to 9.7% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the past year, from September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 0.0%, while labour force increased by 0.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Glen Innes' employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 on 1st July 2023, Glen Innes SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $39,405 and an average income of $45,435. This is below the national average. The Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Glen Innes would be approximately $42,896 (median) and $49,461 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Glen Innes all fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 32.3% of the population (2,930 individuals) have an income within the $400 - $799 range, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. The concentration of 43.7% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 87.0% of income retained, 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

Glen Innes' dwellings were 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings as of the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Innes was 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.7% and rented ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $220, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Glen Innes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 61.8% of all households, including 18.2% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 35.6% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 31.7%. Educational participation is high at 28.9%, including 11.5% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Glen Innes has 464 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 37 routes providing 1,483 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, being typically 271 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Glen Innes' residential nature. Cars dominate at 89%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 211 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop. The map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

AreaSearch's health assessment for Glen Innes indicates significant challenges. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 4,210 people, compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and mental health issues (9.7%), with 58.6% claiming no medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Glen Innes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 30.1%, or 2,731 people, compared to 23.0% in Rest of NSW.

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, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.7% of its population being Australian citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glen Innes, accounting for 64.4%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (31.9%), and Scottish (9.3%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.2% in Glen Innes than the regional average of 4.6%. Irish ancestry also showed a slight increase, from 8.8% regionally to 9.1%, while German ancestry was marginally higher at 3.9% compared to the regional 3.1%.

Glen Innes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Glen Innes has a median age of 50, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 15.8% of Glen Innes' population, compared to Rest of NSW's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 8.6%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 9.6% to 10.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.0% to 10.8% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 15.9% to 14.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Glen Innes' age profile. The 85+ age cohort is expected to increase by 262 people (78%), from 333 to 596. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 45-54 cohorts.