Glass House Mountains

Population growth drivers in Glass House Mountains are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The Glass House Mountains statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 6,262 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 661 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 11.8% rise from the previous population of 5,601. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,142 residents after examining ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validating additional 167 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 86 persons per square kilometer. The Glass House Mountains (SA2) experienced an 11.8% population growth between the 2021 Census and November 2025, surpassing both the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8% and the national average. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Projected demographic shifts indicate above median population growth for Australia's regional areas. The Glass House Mountains (SA2) is expected to grow by 958 persons to reach a total of around 7,220 by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 13.5% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Glass House Mountains when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Glass House Mountains recorded around 42 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 214 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents per year are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand outpaces supply, which may put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average construction value for new homes is $350,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Glass House Mountains shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 90% standalone homes and 10% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character favoring family homes.

With around 303 people per dwelling approval, Glass House Mountains indicates a developing market. Future projections estimate Glass House Mountains to add 844 residents by 2041, with current development rates suggesting new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Glass House Mountains has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Five projects are likely to impact the area's performance, as identified by AreaSearch. These key projects include Glass House Mountains Surf Park, Beerwah Station Upgrade, Australia Zoo, and Beerwah Marketplace Shopping Centre.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Glass House Mountains ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Glass House Mountains has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent among employed residents.

As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Glass House Mountains is similar to that of the rest of Queensland, at 59.1%. Key industries employing residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, construction employs a higher proportion of local workers than the regional average, with an employment share of 1.5 times the level in Rest of Qld.

Conversely, retail trade employs fewer locals compared to the rest of Queensland, at just 8.0%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Glass House Mountains experienced a decrease in labour force (-2.2%) and employment (-1.3%), leading to a fall in unemployment rate (-0.9 percentage points). This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose (1.7%), labour force grew (2.1%), and unemployment increased slightly (0.3 percentage points). State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glass House Mountains' current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Glass House Mountains had median income among taxpayers of $49,936 and average income of $60,610. These figures are lower than national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average), and also lower compared to Rest of Qld's levels. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% between financial years 2023 and 2025, estimated median income for Glass House Mountains as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,885, with average income around $66,616. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Glass House Mountains rank modestly, between 36th and 49th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The data shows that 35.7% of the population (2,235 individuals) fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. 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

The dwelling structure in Glass House Mountains, as per the latest Census, was 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 93.2% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glass House Mountains was 37.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were 46.1% and rented dwellings were 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $400, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Glass House Mountains' mortgage repayments were below 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 81.3% of all households, including 33.9% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Glass House Mountains shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (33.9%).

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, comprising primary education (10.6%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

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

Transport analysis shows three active public transport stops in Glass House Mountains. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with 41 individual routes operating collectively to provide 470 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1394 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 67 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 156 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.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3207 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.5% and 8.9% of residents respectively. However, 64.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.4% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1189 people), which is lower than the 20.1% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Glass House Mountains is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Glass House Mountains, surveyed in August 2016, had a population with 83.2% born in Australia, 89.3% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.7%. This figure is slightly higher than the regional average of 44.6% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to 1.6% regionally. New Zealand ancestry was also slightly higher at 1.1%, versus 1.0%. German ancestry showed a similar trend with 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 5.0%.

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 while being 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 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 35 to 44 has increased from 12.8% to 14.1%. Conversely, the age groups 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 have decreased to 10.5% and 12.2%, respectively, from their previous percentages of 12.0% and 13.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Glass House Mountains' age structure. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 27% (241 people), reaching 1,124 from its current total of 882. Conversely, the age groups 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 are expected to experience population declines.