Noosa Hinterland

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 reported a population of 24,207. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,972 in June 2024 and an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Noosa Hinterland has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. The area is projected to expand by 3,101 persons to reach 27,384 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 11.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents per year have been associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $425,000.

This financial year has seen $25.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Noosa Hinterland maintains similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium. New development comprises 89% detached dwellings and 11% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of approximately 235 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Noosa Hinterland is projected to grow by 2,990 residents based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Noosa Hinterland has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 65 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable projects include Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project, Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant Works, Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development. 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Noosa Hinterland maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Noosa Hinterland has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of September 2025. There are 12,624 residents employed, which is 1.0% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Noosa Hinterland is 55.0%, lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety employs only 4.0% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 5.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6%, with a 1.9% decline in employment, causing unemployment to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Noosa Hinterland's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Noosa Hinterland SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $43,855 and an average level of $59,624. This is lower than national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,990 (median) and $67,965 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Noosa Hinterland household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 23rd and 35th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 31.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (8,190 residents), similar to broader area patterns where 31.7% occupy this range. 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, consisted of 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure, which was also 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 in the area was $1,800, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $415, 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 at $415 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.7% of all households, consisting of 31.0% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.3%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. 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

Noosa Hinterland's educational qualifications meet regional benchmarks but fall short of national averages. As of 2016, 23.0% of residents aged 15+ held university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials were prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas accounted for 13.3% while certificates made up 29.7%.

Educational participation was high, with 26.8% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 9.8% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in the Noosa Hinterland shows that there are 27 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 192 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located approximately 3043 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 27 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 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. 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 had a cultural diversity below average, with 79.6% of its population born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion was Christianity, comprising 42.1%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (33.8%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Scottish (9.4%) was equally represented as regionally, while French and Welsh both had a representation of 0.7%, matching regional averages.

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

Noosa Hinterland's median age is 49 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 14.3%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 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 grown from 6.9% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 17.1% to 15.9%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 12.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, Noosa Hinterland's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 102% (583 people), reaching 1,157 from 573. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.