Glass House Mountains
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Glass House Mountains' population was approximately 7,326 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 774 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,552. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,194 in June 2024 and an additional 242 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. Glass House Mountains' growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's average of 8.8% and the national average, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 52.3% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Future population projections indicate an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Glass House Mountains expected to expand by 1,131 persons to reach approximately 8,457 by 2041, representing a total increase of 13.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Glass House Mountains has seen approximately 61 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25306 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2.5 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $218,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year, commercial approvals totaling $1.9 million have been registered. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Glass House Mountains has roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 78th percentile nationally for areas assessed.

The area's new development consists predominantly of detached houses (92.0%) and a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (8.0%), maintaining its traditional low-density character appealing to those seeking space and family homes. With around 167 people per approval, Glass House Mountains reflects an area experiencing growth. Future projections estimate that by 2041, the area will add approximately 999 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Glass House Mountains has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Glass House Mountains Surf Park, Old Gympie Road - Road widening, Beerwah Station Upgrade, and Australia Zoo. The following list details those 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.

The employment environment in Glass House Mountains shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Glass House Mountains has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in construction. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.1%.

There are 3,644 residents employed, which is 0.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Retail trade has a limited presence at 8.1% compared to the regional 10.0%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between June 2024 and May 2025, labour force decreased by 2.1%, employment by 0.7%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Glass House Mountains' employment could grow by approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Glass House Mountains' median income among taxpayers was $49,801 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,446 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $56,768 (median) and $68,902 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Glass House Mountains rank modestly between the 36th and 46th percentiles. The distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 34.8% of residents (2,549 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Glass House Mountains, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Glass House Mountains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Glass House Mountains, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glass House Mountains stood at 38.2%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged dwellings making up 46.1% and rented ones 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,814, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $398, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure of $400. Nationally, Glass House Mountains' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 79.6% of all households, including 33.2% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.4%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 46.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 34.1%.

Educational participation is 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. Glass House Mountains State School and Beerburrum State School serve a total of 482 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 974) offering balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The area has 6.6 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 10.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The Glass House Mountains area has six operational public transport stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 32 different routes, which together facilitate 601 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport options is considered limited, with residents on average being situated 1370 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 85 trips per day, translating to roughly 100 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Glass House Mountains is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Glass House Mountains faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3663 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, impacting 9.9% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 8.9%. A total of 64.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.4% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1416 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 83.2% of its population born in Australia, 89.0% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.3%, compared to 44.6% regionally. Ancestry-wise, top groups were English (32.9%), Australian (27.7%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notable differences existed in New Zealand (1.1% vs regional 1.0%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.6%), and German (5.1% vs 5.0%) representations.

Glass House Mountains hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Glass House Mountains is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Glass House Mountains has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 years has increased from 12.7% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the age groups of 65 to 74 years and 45 to 54 years have declined from 12.1% to 10.5% and from 13.4% to 12.1%, respectively. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in the age structure of Glass House Mountains. The 35 to 44 age group is expected to grow by 28% (287 people), reaching a total of 1,326 from its current figure of 1,038. Conversely, the age groups of 55 to 64 years and 15 to 24 years are projected to experience population declines.