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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Glass House Mountains' population is estimated at around 6271 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 670 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5601 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6142, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 171 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 86 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's 12.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 965 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Glass House Mountains recorded around 42 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 214 homes. So far in FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $350,000, consistent with regional patterns. In FY-26, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Glass House Mountains shows approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile of areas assessed nationally.

Recent construction comprises 90% standalone homes and 10% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 303 people per dwelling approval, Glass House Mountains shows a developing market. Future projections show Glass House Mountains adding 839 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects potentially impacting this region. Major initiatives include Glass House Mountains Surf Park, Beerwah Station Upgrade, Australia Zoo, and Beerwah Marketplace Shopping Centre. Details on the most relevant projects follow.

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 had a balanced workforce in September 2025 with white collar and blue collar jobs equally represented. The construction sector was prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%. This rate was below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, making it 1.0% lower.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%. According to Census data, 15.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment was concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction had an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while retail trade employed only 8.0%, below Rest of Qld's 10.0%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 2.2% and employment declined by 1.3%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, projected national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glass House Mountains' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Glass House Mountains had a median income among taxpayers of $49,936. The average income stood at $60,610. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld reporting levels of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Glass House Mountains would be approximately $54,885 (median) and $66,616 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in 2021, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in Glass House Mountains, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. The data showed that 35.7% of the population (2,238 individuals) had incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupied this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remained for other expenses. 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

In Glass House Mountains, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glass House Mountains stood at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 16.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in the area averaged $400, 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 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%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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%. Bachelor degrees are 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%, with 10.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The Glass House Mountains area has three operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by forty-one different routes, collectively facilitating four hundred seventy weekly passenger trips. Transport access is considered limited, with residents typically residing 1394 meters away from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the prevalent mode at ninety-two percent. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, surpassing the regional average. In 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), fifteen-point-one percent of residents work from home.

Service frequency averages sixty-seven trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately one hundred fifty-six weekly trips per individual 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,212 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.5% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.9% of residents declare 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 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,172 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 July-August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 83.2% of its population born in Australia, 89.3% being citizens, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.7%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, Dutch (1.9%) and New Zealand (1.1%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Glass House Mountains compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively. German ethnicity was also slightly higher at 5.3%.

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 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 increased from 12.8% to 14.6%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 decreased from 13.7% to 12.2%. The proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 also dropped, from 12.0% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Glass House Mountains' age structure. Notably, the number of residents aged 35 to 44 is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 1,124 from 915. Conversely, the populations of those aged 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 are projected to decline.