Glass House Mountains

QLD 4518 • Rest of QLD

5,601
Population (2021)
$90,480
Median Household Income
72.41 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Nature-RetreatFamily-FriendlyGrowth-SuburbScenicSemi-Rural

About Glass House Mountains

Glass House Mountains is a growing rural locality in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, nestled among the iconic volcanic peaks that Captain Cook named in 1770. With a population of around 5,600 and a median age of 42, the area has experienced significant growth as families and sea-changers discover its blend of natural beauty and relative affordability. The community is predominantly Australian-born with English, Scottish, and Irish heritage. The locality spans over 72 square kilometres of lush countryside at the southern edge of the Sunshine Coast region.

The Glass House Mountains area offers an outdoor lifestyle centred around the dramatic volcanic peaks, with bushwalking, rock climbing, and mountain biking among popular activities. The locality has its own primary school, local shops, and a train station providing connectivity to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Residents enjoy a semi-rural atmosphere with acreage properties alongside newer residential developments. The area attracts families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a quieter alternative to the coastal strip while remaining within commuting distance of both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Glass House Mountains falls under postcode 4518 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Glass House electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4518
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.90°, 152.93°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
72.41 km²
Elevation
58m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,820
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

8 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Glass House Mountains
0.5 km
7 min
Beerwah
6 km
Sunshine Coast / Nambour Line
Beerburrum
7 km
Sunshine Coast / Nambour Line
Landsborough
10 km
Sunshine Coast / Nambour Line

Bus Services

  • 649 — Caloundra to Beerwah 25 min to Caloundra

Commute to Brisbane

Distance
70 km
By Train
1 hr 20 min
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hour

🛣️ Direct train to Brisbane via Caboolture. Also 30 min drive to Caloundra and Sunshine Coast beaches.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Semi-rural area where a car is essential for most trips, though the small village centre near the station has basic amenities.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area, which contains Glass House Mountains. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
329.4 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
167.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
473.3 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
13.8 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
314.6 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,065
Census 2021
5,601
10.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,108
Personal Income 2021
$38,428
27.6% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$38,428 / yr
$739/wk
Household
$90,480 / yr
$1740/wk
Family
$96,772 / yr
$1861/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,426
Born Overseas 892

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 312
  • 2. New Zealand 202
  • 3. South Africa 39
  • 4. Germany 26
  • 5. Netherlands 26
  • 6. United States 23
  • 7. Italy 22
  • 8. Scotland 17
  • 9. Philippines 14
  • 10. Thailand 14

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,586
Australian 2,123
Scottish 686
Irish 622
German 412
Italian 188
Australian Aboriginal 148
Dutch 144
New Zealander 84
Maori 55

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,431
Both parents born in Australia
1,107
Both parents born overseas
776
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.6%
Christianity
43.0%
Buddhism
0.9%
Islam
0.1%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
308 (5.5%)
5-14 years
753 (13.4%)
15-19 years
330 (5.9%)
20-24 years
271 (4.8%)
25-34 years
601 (10.7%)
35-44 years
714 (12.7%)
45-54 years
768 (13.7%)
55-64 years
755 (13.5%)
65-74 years
671 (12.0%)
75-84 years
329 (5.9%)
85+ years
93 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glass House Mountains known for? +

Glass House Mountains is a growing community in Sunshine Coast (Regional Council), QLD, known for its open character and strong community spirit. The suburb has a population of approximately 5,601 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of QLD region.

How far is Glass House Mountains from Brisbane CBD? +

Glass House Mountains is approximately 64 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, typically a 1 hour drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is in a regional location and most residents rely on local services rather than commuting to the CBD.

Does Glass House Mountains have public transport? +

Glass House Mountains is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Brisbane CBD.

What is the population of Glass House Mountains? +

According to the 2021 Census, Glass House Mountains has a population of approximately 5,601 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Sunshine Coast (Regional Council) district.

Is Glass House Mountains a good place to live? +

Glass House Mountains appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the city who value its open spaces and community character. With a median taxable income of around $44,604, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most QLD suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Glass House Mountains? +

The postcode for Glass House Mountains, QLD is 4518.

What is the average income in Glass House Mountains? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Glass House Mountains is about $739 per week (around $38,400 per year). The median household income is $1,740 per week and the median family income is $1,861 per week.

What is the age profile of Glass House Mountains? +

The median age in Glass House Mountains is 42. The largest age group is 45–54 (768 residents, around 14%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Glass House Mountains a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Glass House Mountains is part of the Sunshine Coast LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Glass House Mountains? +

In Glass House Mountains, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,820 (2021 Census).