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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Glass House Mountains' population is around 7,318 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 766 people (11.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,552 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,194 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 239 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. Glass House Mountains' growth of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 8.6% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 52.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,131 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, indicating a total increase of 13.8% 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 approximately 61 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY21 and FY25306 dwellings were approved, with 2 recorded in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling built over these years attracted about 2.5 new residents yearly, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are constructed at an average cost of $350,000, below the regional average, offering affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Glass House Mountains has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 78th percentile nationally.

New development consists of 92% detached houses and 8% medium-high density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character appealing to those seeking space for families. With approximately 167 people per approval, Glass House Mountains reflects a developing area. Future projections show it adding 1,007 residents by 2041. 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact a certain area. Key initiatives include the Bruce Highway Upgrade from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way, the Glass House Mountains Surf Park project, the Old Gympie Road road widening scheme, and the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line proposal. The following list outlines those projects deemed most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Glass House Mountains had, as of June 2025, an unemployment rate of 3.1%. It employed 3,644 residents with a participation rate similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%, but an unemployment rate 0.8% lower at 3.9%.

Key industries were construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction was particularly strong, with employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Retail trade had limited presence, at 8.1% compared to 10.0% regionally. AreaSearch analysis showed a decrease in labour force by 2.1% and employment by 0.7% over one year, causing unemployment rate to fall by 1.4 percentage points.

In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8%. State-level data to Sep-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to national rates of 4.5% and 0.26% growth respectively. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts indicated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggested Glass House Mountains' growth would be approximately 6.2%% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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

Glass House Mountains' median income among taxpayers was $49,801 and average income stood at $60,446 in the financial year 2022. This is lower than national figures of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average). By March 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $55,633 and average income $67,524. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Glass House Mountains rank modestly, between the 36th and 46th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 34.8% of residents (2,546 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Glass House Mountains, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glass House Mountains stood at 38.2%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (46.1%) or rented (15.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,814, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent was $398, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure of $400. Nationally, Glass House Mountains' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,814 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $398 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 34.1%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.5% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary.

Glass House Mountains State School and Beerburrum State School serve a total of 482 students; both focus on primary education with secondary options nearby. The schools' combined ICSEA score is 974, indicating balanced educational opportunities. There are 6.6 school places per 100 residents, lower than the regional average (10.6), suggesting some students attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis shows six active stops operating within the Glass House Mountains area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, totalling 32 individual routes. Collectively, they provide 601 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically situated 1370 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 85 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 100 weekly trips per 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 with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~3,659 people) of its total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.9%). A total of 64.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's figure of 66.4%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.3% (1,415 people), with health outcomes among this demographic broadly aligning with those of the general 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

The Glass House Mountains area was found to have below average 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, comprising 47.3% of people, compared to 44.6% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (27.7%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.1%, Dutch at 1.8%, and German at 5.1%, compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 1.6%, and 5.0% respectively.

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, and is somewhat older than Australia's average age of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Glass House Mountains has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). As per the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group increased from 12.7% to 14.2%, while the 65-74 age group decreased from 12.1% to 10.5%. The 45-54 age group also dropped from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Glass House Mountains' age structure. Notably, the 35-44 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 1,326 people from 1,037. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.