Glen Innes

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

As of Nov 2025, Glen Innes' population is estimated at around 6,099, a decrease of 120 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,219. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 5,961. The suburb's population density stands at 30 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% to recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections anticipate lower quartile growth for non-metropolitan areas like Glen Innes, expecting an increase of 115 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 4.9% over the 17 years.

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

Glen Innes experienced approximately 7 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 38 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26. On average, 0.8 new residents arrived annually for each new home over these years.

The average construction value was $422,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY-26, $4.7 million in commercial approvals were registered. Compared to Rest of NSW, Glen Innes had 57.0% lower building activity per person. Recent construction comprised 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium-high density housing. The area's estimated population per dwelling approval was 1396 people.

Population forecasts indicate a gain of 298 residents by 2041. Current development rates may struggle to match projected population growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment, St Joseph's Convent Function Centre (Glen Innes), Glen Innes Powerhouse Museum Redevelopment, and Local Roads Upgrade Package. The following details projects expected to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Glen Innes remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Glen Innes has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate was 3.8% in June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2914 residents were employed.

The unemployment rate was 0.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 45.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Public administration & safety has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Construction employs just 6.7% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force grew by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Glen Innes. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Glen Innes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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 2022 for financial year 2022, Glen Innes had a median income among taxpayers of $36,470. The average income level stood at $44,139. Both figures were below the national averages of $51,800 and $71,700 respectively. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% would be approximately $41,069 for median income and $49,705 for average income. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Glen Innes all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 33.9% of the population (2,067 individuals) earn within the $400-$799 range, contrasting with the region where the $1500-$2999 bracket leads at 29.9%. A significant proportion, 45.1%, earn below $800 weekly after housing costs, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. After accounting for housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Glen Innes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Glen Innes, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 90.4% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Innes was 44.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.0%) or rented (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,068, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,100. Median weekly rent in Glen Innes was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $240. Nationally, Glen Innes's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 2.3.

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 NSW's 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 prevalent, with 40.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - 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, 8.5% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education. Glen Innes has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 982 students. The area's ICSEA score is 925, indicating varied educational conditions. Education provision is balanced, with 3 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (16.1 places per 100 residents vs 13.1 regionally), suggesting the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Glen Innes has 227 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 22 different routes that together offer 206 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 132 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 29 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 0 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Glen Innes is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Glen Innes faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 44% (around 2,712 people), compared to 46.9% across the Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.3% of residents) and mental health issues (10.2%).

However, 57.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 61.0% in the Rest of NSW. Glen Innes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 30.8% (1,878 people), than the Rest of NSW's 27.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Glen Innes are better than those of the general population.

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, had a cultural diversity index below the national average. Its population comprised 87.8% citizens, with 92.0% born in Australia and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 63.2%, compared to 64.8% across 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 than regional averages at 6.2% versus 6.4%. Similarly, Scottish ancestry stood at 9.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.4%, and German ancestry was recorded at 3.7% against a regional average of 3.9%.

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. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Glen Innes at 15.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW average, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.8% to 9.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Glen Innes's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 221 people (33%), from 676 to 898. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 77% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 45-54 age cohorts.