Glen Innes

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Glen Innes statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,316. This figure reflects an increase of 97 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,219. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6,249 in June 2024 and the validation of 20 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. The Glen Innes (SA2) has experienced a growth rate of 1.6% since the Census, which is within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.1%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% to the overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Glen Innes (SA2) is anticipated to increase by 112 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of 1.2% over the 17-year period. This projection aligns with the lower quartile growth trend expected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas.

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, Glen Innes has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 39 homes were approved, with 1 more approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.8 new residents arrive annually for each new home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of these new homes is $422,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, Glen Innes has registered $3.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Glen Innes records significantly lower building activity, at 56.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, with this level also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction in Glen Innes comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining its traditional low density character and focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 785 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Glen Innes will gain approximately 78 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include 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 relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.5%. This rate has remained relatively stable over the past year according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There are 2,869 residents employed, with an unemployment rate that is 0.7% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Glen Innes lags behind Rest of NSW at 45.9%, compared to the regional average of 56.4%.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety sectors. Notably, employment levels in public administration & safety are at 1.5 times the regional average. However, construction employs only 6.7% of local workers, which is below Rest of NSW's rate of 9.7%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area shows that during the year to September 2025, the labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment decreased by 0.2%. This led to an increase in unemployment by 0.7 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. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows that NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Glen Innes's employment mix suggests that 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Glen Innes had a median income among taxpayers of $36,470. The average income stood at $44,139, which is below the national average. This compares to levels of $52,390 and $65,215 across Rest of 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, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Glen Innes, as per the latest Census data, 90.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 93.0% houses and 6.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Innes stood at 44.3%, with mortgaged properties at 25.0% and rented dwellings at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,068, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,100. Weekly rent in Glen Innes was recorded at $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $240. 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 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 has university qualification rates of 14.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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. 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

The analysis of Glen Innes' public transport system shows that there are currently 237 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 23 individual routes in operation. Together, these routes provide a combined weekly passenger trip count of 216.

The accessibility of transport for residents is rated as excellent, with an average distance of just 129 meters to the nearest transport stop. On average, there are approximately 30 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 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 age groups. Approximately 44% (~2809 people) have private health cover, compared to 46.5% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (10.2%), while 57.3% report no medical ailments, lower than the 61.0% in Rest of NSW.

Glen Innes has 30.9% (1951 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Rest of NSW's 27.4%. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 87.8% of its population being citizens, 92.0% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Glen Innes, comprising 63.2% of people, 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 were overrepresented at 6.2%, Scottish at 9.1%, and German at 3.7%, compared to regional percentages of 6.4%, 8.4%, and 3.9% 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 average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, Glen Innes has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (11.2% locally), while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented (8.6%). This concentration of the 75-84 age group is higher than the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.2% of Glen Innes' population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 10.8% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Glen Innes' age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 207 people (78%), from 265 to 473. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 84% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 45-54 age cohorts.