Glen Innes

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Glen Innes is around 6,300, reflecting an increase of 81 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.3% change from the previous census figure of 6,219 inhabitants. The current resident population estimate of 6,296, as determined by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025, and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 31 persons per square kilometer. Glen Innes's 1.3% growth rate positions it competitively within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area's 2.7%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the suburb. AreaSearch employs 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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections anticipate future population dynamics, indicating lower quartile growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to increase by 100 persons, reflecting a total gain of 1.5% over the 16-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 seen approximately 7 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 35 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY26 so far. The average new resident arrival rate is about 0.1 per new home over these years, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new homes is $422,000, higher than regional levels, suggesting quality construction emphasis. This financial year has seen $3.5 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Glen Innes has 60.0% lower building activity per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent construction comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% medium-high density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 893 people.

Glen Innes is projected to gain 96 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable 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 likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment, St Joseph's Convent Function Centre in Glen Innes, Glen Innes Powerhouse Museum Redevelopment, and Glen Innes Sporting Facilities Upgrade. The following list details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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 white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented, and the unemployment rate is 4.9%. As of December 2025, 2,806 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Glen Innes is 55.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Public administration & safety employment levels are at 1.5 times the regional average.

Construction employs just 6.7% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 9.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.2%, employment decreased by 2.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Glen Innes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Glen Innes had a median income among taxpayers 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 Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 is approximately $40,234, with average income around $48,694. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Glen Innes fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 33.9% of the population (2,135 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with Regional NSW where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 29.9%. Notably, 45.1% of households in Glen Innes earn below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures for many residents. After accounting for 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

In Glen Innes, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glen Innes stood at 44.3%, with mortgaged properties making up 25.0% and rented dwellings accounting for 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area 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 figure of $330. Nationally, Glen Innes' 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 constitute 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 account for 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 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 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

Glen Innes has 238 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 23 different routes, offering a total of 216 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 129 meters from the nearest stop. Glen Innes is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents, while 8% walk. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 9.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 30 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanying the analysis shows the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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 significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across various age groups. Notably, approximately 44% (~2,802 people) have private health cover, which is lower than Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (10.2%), while 57.3% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW.

The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the assessment date (2021), Glen Innes has 32.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,022 people), which is higher than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional 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 had a cultural diversity rating 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 the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had different representations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.2% in Glen Innes (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. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Glen Innes at 12.1%, compared to the Regional NSW average, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 75-84 cohort is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population in the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.2% to 12.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate a significant increase in the 85+ age cohort, with an expansion of 194 people (70%) from 277 to 472. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 82% of population growth, reflecting aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 45-54 age cohorts.