Noosa Hinterland
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Noosa Hinterland's population was approximately 26,083 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,876 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 24,207. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 25,972 in June 2024 and an additional 163 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Noosa Hinterland's population grew at a compound annual rate of 1.6%, outperforming non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Based on projected demographic shifts, the population is expected to increase by approximately 3,101 persons to 2041, representing an overall increase of about 11.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Noosa Hinterland among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Noosa Hinterland has received approximately 115 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 577 homes. As of FY26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents per year are associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences property prices upwards and increases competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $425,000.

This financial year has seen $25.6 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Noosa Hinterland maintains similar development levels per capita, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. New developments consist of 89% detached dwellings and 11% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character while attracting space-seeking buyers.

There are approximately 235 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. By 2041, Noosa Hinterland is projected to grow by 2,990 residents. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Noosa Hinterland has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified a total of 65 projects that are likely to impact the area, with changes to local infrastructure being significant influencers on performance. Key projects include the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project, Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant Works, Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and the 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development. The following list details those projects likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Noosa Hinterland ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Noosa Hinterland's skilled workforce is notable, particularly in the construction sector. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate was 2.9%.

In this month, 12,845 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. However, workforce participation was somewhat lower at 55.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area had a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety employed only 4.0% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 5.9%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data during the year to June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2%, alongside a 1.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 offered further insight into potential future demand within Noosa Hinterland. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Noosa Hinterland's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.5%% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Noosa Hinterland had a median income among taxpayers of $43,855 during financial year 2022. The average income level was $59,624 in the same period. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $49,990 and average income $67,965 based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Noosa Hinterland rank modestly between the 23rd and 36th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The largest income bracket comprises 31.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 8,190 residents falling into this category. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Noosa Hinterland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Noosa Hinterland, as per the latest Census, was 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Noosa Hinterland stood at 46.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 13.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent was $415, also matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Noosa Hinterland's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Noosa Hinterland features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 77.7% of all households, including 31.0% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

The educational profile of Noosa Hinterland exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Noosa Hinterland trail regional benchmarks, with 23.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 29.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 9.6% in secondary, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education. There are approximately 10 schools operating within Noosa Hinterland, educating around 2,977 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1037) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 2 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Analysis shows 27 active transport stops operating within Noosa Hinterland. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 192 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3043 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Noosa Hinterland are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Noosa Hinterland. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~12,911 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.1 and 8.0% of residents respectively. 68.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld figure. The area has 24.5% of residents aged 65 and over (6,398 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Noosa Hinterland's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of a certain date, 79.6% of its population were born in Australia, 88.6% were citizens, and 96.0% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, making up 42.1% of the population.

However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation with 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (33.8%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Scottish (9.4%) was equally represented as the regional average, while French (0.7%) and Welsh (0.7%) also mirrored regional percentages.

Noosa Hinterland hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Noosa Hinterland's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 years make up a prominent 14.3% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise a comparatively smaller 7.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.4% to 10.9%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 6.9% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 17.1% to 15.9%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, Noosa Hinterland is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 102%, reaching 1,157 people from 573. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.