Glass House Mountains

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Glass House Mountains's population is around 7,339 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 787 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,552 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,194 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Glass House Mountains's 12.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 52.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,131 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Glass House Mountains among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Glass House Mountains has seen around 61 new homes approved each year, with 306 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 8 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.5 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $218,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Glass House Mountains has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 78th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 167 people per approval, Glass House Mountains reflects a developing area.

Future projections show Glass House Mountains adding 986 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Glass House Mountains has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Glass House Mountains Surf Park, Old Gympie Road - Road widening, Beerwah Station Upgrade, and Australia Zoo, 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.

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While Glass House Mountains retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Glass House Mountains possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 3,589 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, retail trade has a limited presence with 8.1% employment compared to 10.0% 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 decreasing by 3.1% combined with employment decreasing by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Glass House Mountains. 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 Glass House Mountains's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Glass House Mountains SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Glass House Mountains SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,215 and the average income stands at $63,982, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,390 (median) and $70,323 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Glass House Mountains, between the 35th and 46th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.8% of residents (2,553 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Glass House Mountains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Glass House Mountains, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Glass House Mountains was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 38.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (46.1%) or rented (15.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,814, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $398, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Glass House Mountains's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Glass House Mountains features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 79.6% of all households, comprising 33.2% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.4%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Glass House Mountains fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (34.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% 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 6 active transport stops operating within Glass House Mountains, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 41 individual routes, collectively providing 601 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1370 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 15.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 85 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 100 weekly trips per individual stop.

Glass House Mountains's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Glass House Mountains residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,706 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.9% and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 64.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,391 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Glass House Mountains ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Glass House Mountains was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.2% of its population born in Australia, 89.0% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Glass House Mountains is Christianity, which makes up 47.3% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Glass House Mountains are English, comprising 32.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Glass House Mountains (vs 0.9% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.1%) and German at 5.1% (vs 4.7%).

Glass House Mountains's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Glass House Mountains matches Regional Qld's average of 41 and is somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Glass House Mountains has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (14.7%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.8%). Following the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.0 years from 42 to 41, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.7% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 10.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Glass House Mountains's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 250 people (23%) from 1,075 to 1,326. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.