Noosa Heads

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

Noosa Heads' population is around 5,339 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 219 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,120 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,298 in June 2024 and an additional 117 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 410 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Noosa Heads has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing non-metro areas. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase of just below Australia's regional median is expected by 2041, with the area expected to gain 620 persons, reflecting a total gain of 10.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Noosa Heads recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Noosa Heads averaged approximately 38 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25190 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, each year saw about 1.1 new residents per dwelling constructed during these five years.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market conditions. The average construction value for new homes is around $756,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, there have been $16.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Noosa Heads shows moderately higher construction activity, being 46.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance supports buyer choice and current property values, although recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity.

New development in Noosa Heads consists of 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 72.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, providing more diverse and affordable housing options. With around 240 people per dwelling approval, Noosa Heads exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain 572 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Noosa Heads has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Noosa Business Centre Village Precinct, Bottlebrush Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction Station - State Facilitated Mixed-Use Development, and JURA Noosa. 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.

Employment conditions in Noosa Heads demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Noosa Heads has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 1.9%.

There were 2,525 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 50.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area has a strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7%, and employment declined by 2.3%, resulting in a fall of 0.4 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows that Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Noosa Heads's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Noosa Heads SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,704 and an average of $88,732. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Noosa Heads would be approximately $55,518 (median) and $101,146 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family and personal incomes in Noosa Heads cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 26.6% of locals (1,420 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Noosa Heads is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Noosa Heads, as per the latest Census evaluation, 72.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 27.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs slightly from Non-Metro Queensland's composition of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Noosa Heads stood at 50.6%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 24.5% and rented dwellings making up 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, surpassing Non-Metro Queensland's average of $2,000. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Noosa Heads was $550, higher than Non-Metro Queensland's figure of $500. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Noosa Heads were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Noosa Heads features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.4% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 41.2% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households making up 5.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Noosa Heads performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Noosa Heads' residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications at 36.6%, compared to the broader Queensland region (20.6%) and the SA4 area (24.9%). This educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees (26.0%), postgraduate qualifications (7.4%), and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.4% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (15.0%) and certificates (18.4%). Furthermore, 22.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising primary (8.4%), secondary (7.3%), and tertiary (2.6%) levels.

A substantial 22.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Noosa Heads has 21 active public transport stops. These are used by buses on nine different routes that together make 1,059 weekly passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 339 meters.

On average, there are 151 trips per day across all routes, which means each stop gets about 50 weekly trips.

Noosa Heads's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Noosa Heads residents show positive health outcomes with common conditions seen across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 64%, compared to 57.2% in rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (5.8%), while 68.8% report no medical ailments, similar to the 68.8% in rest of Queensland.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 30.9%, higher than the 25.8% in rest of Queensland. Senior health outcomes are strong, outperforming the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Noosa Heads was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Noosa Heads had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 8.8% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 30.3% born overseas. The predominant religion in Noosa Heads was Christianity, accounting for 46.4% of the population. Judaism was notably overrepresented, comprising 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.4%), Australian (19.2%), and Scottish (11.2%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: French was overrepresented at 1.6%, Irish at 10.9%, and South African at 1.0%.

Noosa Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Noosa Heads's median age is 53 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 12.3% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.1%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows a rejuvenation with the median age falling from 54 to 53 years. The 75-84 age group grew from 9.7% to 12.3%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 19.4% to 15.8%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Noosa Heads's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 33%, adding 176 residents to reach 706. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.