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

Glass House Mountains' population was approximately 7,339 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 787 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,552. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 7,194 in June 2024 and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 39 persons per square kilometer. Glass House Mountains' growth rate of 12.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both Queensland's average (9.1%) and the national average, indicating it as a region with significant 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. 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 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.4% 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. From financial year FY21 to FY25, around 306 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these years gained an average of 2.5 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $218,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen around $1.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to 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.

New development consists mainly of detached houses (92.0%) and medium-high density housing (8.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 167 people per approval, Glass House Mountains reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate an addition of 986 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to impact 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.

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While Glass House Mountains retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.4%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Glass House Mountains has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. As of September 2025, there are 3,641 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 65.7%. A moderate 15.3% of residents work from home. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment share is 1.5 times the regional level, while retail trade has a limited presence at 8.1% compared to the regional 10.0%.

The area may have limited local job opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between May-24 and Apr-25, labour force decreased by 2.2%, employment by 1.2%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3%. National employment forecasts suggest Glass House Mountains' employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Glass House Mountains SA2 had lower than average income levels nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $52,215 and the average income stood at $63,982. These figures compared to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,390 (median) and $70,323 (average). Census 2021 income data showed household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in Glass House Mountains, between the 35th and 46th percentiles. Distribution data indicated that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 34.8% of residents (2,553 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Glass House Mountains, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glass House Mountains stood at 38.2%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (46.1%) or rented (15.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,814, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $398, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Glass House Mountains' mortgage repayments were lower than 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 account for 79.6% of all households, consisting of 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 making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of 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's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (34.1%). Educational participation is high at 27.8%, comprising 10.5% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

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 indicates six active transport stops operating within the Glass House Mountains area. These comprise a mix of train and bus services, with forty-one individual routes collectively offering 601 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically situated 1370 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 15.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages eighty-five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one hundred 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. AreaSearch's analysis shows mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 50% of the total population (~3,706 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 64.8% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of 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), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but 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, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 83.2% of its population born in Australia and 89.0% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 95.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.3%, compared to 52.2% across the Rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (27.7%), and Scottish (8.5%). Notable differences existed in the representation of New Zealanders (1.1% vs regional 0.9%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.1%), and Germans (5.1% vs 4.7%).

Glass House Mountains's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Glass House Mountains is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Glass House Mountains has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age decreased by 1 year from 42 years in 2016 to 41 years in 2021, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the 35-44 age group grew from 12.7% of the population in 2016 to 14.7% in 2021. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.4%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.4% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Glass House Mountains' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35-44 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 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.