Glen Innes

Glen Innes has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Glen Innes is around 6,318. This figure reflects an increase of 99 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,219. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6,249 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validation of an additional 22 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. Glen Innes's growth rate of 1.6% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 113 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 0.7% in total over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Glen Innes is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Glen Innes has received approximately 7 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 35 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.6 new residents have arrived per new home over these years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new homes was $422,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Glen Innes has markedly lower building activity, at 60.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The area's development level is also under the national average, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Recent construction in Glen Innes comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 897 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Glen Innes will gain approximately 44 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Glen Innes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment, St Joseph's Convent Function Centre (Glen Innes), Glen Innes Powerhouse Museum Redevelopment, and Glen Innes Sporting Facilities Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Glen Innes lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Glen Innes has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation (December 2025).

There are 2,818 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 56.6% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census data shows that 9.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety.

Notably, the latter sector has employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs only 6.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 9.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.1%, with employment decreasing by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% employment decline, 0.8% labour force decline, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts (May-25) suggest that Glen Innes' employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 2023 for financial year 2023, Glen Innes had a median income among taxpayers of $36,470 and an average level of $44,139. This is below the national average, which compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $39,701 (median) and $48,050 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Glen Innes all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 33.9% of the population (2,141 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Lower income households are notably prevalent, with 45.1% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Glen Innes, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.4% houses and 9.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Innes stood at 44.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (25.0%) or rented (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,068, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Glen Innes was $230, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Glen Innes's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Glen Innes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 60.2% of all households, including 17.4% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Glen Innes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (30.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.4% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

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

In Glen Innes, a total of 238 active public transport stops operate, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 23 different routes that collectively facilitate 216 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents on average situated just 129 meters from the nearest stop. Glen Innes, being predominantly residential, sees most of its inhabitants commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 90% of residents, while walking accounts for 8%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.8% of Glen Innes residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The average service frequency across all routes is 30 trips per day, translating to roughly 0 weekly trips per individual stop. An accompanying map illustrates the locations of the 100 nearest stops relative to the area's centerpoint.

Health performance in Glen Innes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Glen Innes faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 44% of the total population (around 2,810 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.3 and 10.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 57.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Glen Innes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.2% (1,971 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

The latest Census data sees Glen Innes placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Glen Innes, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 87.8% of its population being Australian citizens, 92.0% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 63.2%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 6.2% (vs regional 4.6%), Scottish at 9.1% (vs 8.0%), and German at 3.7% (vs 3.1%).

Glen Innes hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Glen Innes has a median age of 49, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Regional NSW average, Glen Innes has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (11.4% locally), while the 35-44 age group is under-represented (8.5%). This concentration of the 75-84 age group is higher than the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of Glen Innes' population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 10.2% to 11.4%, while the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 10.8% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Glen Innes' 85+ age group is expected to increase significantly, with an addition of 195 people (72%), bringing the total to 467. Senior residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 85% of population growth in Glen Innes, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age cohorts.