Noosa Heads

Population growth drivers in Noosa Heads are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Noosa Heads statistical area (Lv2) is around 5,349. This figure reflects a growth of 229 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,120. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,301 as of June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, along with an additional 117 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 415 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Noosa Heads (SA2) has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming non-metro areas. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. By 2041, the Noosa Heads (SA2) is expected to expand by 620 persons, reflecting a 10.5% increase over the 17-year period, aligning with projections for Australian non-metropolitan areas.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Noosa Heads recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Noosa Heads has seen around 38 new homes approved per year. An estimated 190 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with two more approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 new residents have been added per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction value of these properties is $1,706,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, Noosa Heads has registered $16.2 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to residential activity. Relative to the rest of Queensland, Noosa Heads records elevated construction rates, at 46.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

Recent construction comprises 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 72.0% houses. This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 220 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Noosa Heads is expected to grow by 562 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Noosa Heads has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could impact the area's performance. Key projects include Noosa Business Centre Village Precinct, Bottlebrush Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction Station - State Facilitated Mixed-Use Development, and JURA Noosa. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Noosa Heads significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Noosa Heads has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is low at 1.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,525 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Noosa Heads is lower at 50.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents include accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

There are 0.9 workers per resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7%, alongside a 2.3% employment decline, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Noosa Heads' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Noosa Heads has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Noosa Heads is $48,704, while the average income stands at $88,732. This compares to figures for the Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,531 for the median income and $97,525 for the average income as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Noosa Heads cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 26.6% of the population (1,422 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Noosa Heads, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.3% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Noosa Heads was higher than that of Non-Metro Qld at 50.6%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (24.5%) or rented (24.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, exceeding the Non-Metro Qld average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $500. Nationally, Noosa Heads's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Noosa Heads features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.4% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 41.2% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Noosa Heads demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Noosa Heads has a notably higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 36.6% have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 24.9% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is reflected in various degrees: bachelor degrees lead at 26.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 15.0% and certificates at 18.4%.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the population is actively pursuing education: 22.4% in total, with 8.4% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

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

Noosa Heads has 21 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of bus routes totalling nine. Together, they facilitate 939 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these services is rated good, with residents on average located 339 meters from the nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 134 trips per day, equating to about 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Noosa Heads's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Noosa Heads residents show positive health outcomes with common conditions seen across age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 62%, exceeding the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (5.8%). About 68.8% report no medical ailments, matching Rest of Qld's figure. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 30.9%, higher than Rest of Qld's 25.8%. Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Noosa Heads was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Noosa Heads has a cultural diversity above average, with 8.8% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 30.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Noosa Heads, comprising 46.4% of its population. Judaism, however, shows an overrepresentation in Noosa Heads compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.6% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (19.2%), and Scottish (11.2%). Notable divergences exist for French (1.6% vs regional 1.0%), South African (1.0% vs 0.8%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) ethnic groups.

Noosa Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Noosa Heads's median age is 53 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 12.3%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.1%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows a rejuvenation with the median age falling from 54 to 53 years. The 75-84 age group has grown from 9.7% to 12.3%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 19.4% to 15.8% and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Noosa Heads's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 33%, adding 176 residents to reach 706. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.