Glen Innes

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

As of Feb 2026, Glen Innes' population is estimated at around 6,318, reflecting an increase of 99 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.6% increase from the previous census figure of 6,219. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,249 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. Glen Innes' growth rate of 1.6% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving the area's population growth.

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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Glen Innes expected to increase by 114 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 1.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Glen Innes, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Glen Innes has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 39 homes were approved, with an additional one approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 0.8 new residents arrive per new home built over these five years, indicating that supply is meeting or surpassing demand.

This provides greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes is $422,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Glen Innes records markedly lower building activity, with 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

The level is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction 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 count of 785 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Glen Innes will gain 71 residents through to 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 has identified 16 projects that could affect this area. Notable ones are 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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Glen Innes shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Glen Innes has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, with relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,854 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 57.3%, below Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 9.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety, with the latter sector having employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs just 6.7% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 9.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment decreased by 0.4%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Glen Innes's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Glen Innes had a median taxpayer income of $36,470 and an average income of $44,139. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $39,701 and $48,050 respectively. Census data indicates Glen Innes's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 33.9% (2,141 individuals) earning between $400 - $799 weekly, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Notably, 45.1% of households earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Glen Innes' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 90.4% houses and 9.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Innes stood at 44.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,068, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Glen Innes was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Glen Innes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,068 versus 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Rest of 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 30.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 238 active transport stops operating within Glen Innes. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 23 individual routes that provide 216 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation is car at 90%, with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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 substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 44% of the total population (~2,810 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (10.2%). A total of 57.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Glen Innes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.1% (1,964 people), compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some 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, displayed 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 the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 6.2% in Glen Innes than the regional average of 4.6%. Scottish (9.1%) and German (3.7%) ancestry were also more prevalent compared to the regional averages of 8.0% and 3.1%, respectively.

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

Glen Innes has a median age of 49, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing with the Rest of NSW average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Glen Innes at 11.4%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population in the 75-84 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 10.8% to 9.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Glen Innes's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 193 people (71%), rising from 271 to 465. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 83% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 45-54 age cohorts.