🔍

Noosa Heads

QLD 4567 • Rest of QLD

5,120
Population (2021)
$95,836
Median Household Income
12.68 km²
Area
$550/wk
Median Rent
CoastalLifestyleTourism HubPremium SuburbWalkable

About Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a major coastal centre in the Shire of Noosa, with a 2021 Census population of 5,120. Located at the northern Sunshine Coast, it combines high-profile tourism with permanent residential neighbourhoods and nearby national park landscapes. The suburb includes prominent beach, river and headland environments that define its identity. Its character is premium coastal, lifestyle-driven and service-rich.

Residents and visitors enjoy Main Beach, Hastings Street dining and retail, Noosa National Park walks and extensive recreation opportunities. The local economy is strongly tied to tourism, hospitality and services, with additional employment in health, education and professional sectors across the Noosa urban area. Public transport is bus-based and well utilised, while many trips are still made by car. Noosa Heads appeals to lifestyle buyers, retirees, families and tourism workers.

Noosa Heads falls under postcode 4567 and is governed by Noosa Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Noosa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4567
Urban Area
Noosa
LGA / Council
Noosa
Federal Electorate
Wide Bay
State Electorate
Noosa
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.40°, 153.10°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
12.68 km²
Elevation
31m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$550
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.1%

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cooroy Station
21 km
Not walkable
Eumundi Station
20 km
Not walkable
Nambour Station
41 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • Sunshine Coast bus network — Noosaville / Noosa Junction / Sunshine Beach 10-25 min
  • Regional connectors — Maroochydore 50-80 min
  • Interchange services — Cooroy and rail links 35-60 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
135 km
By Train
2 hr 30 min-3 hr 10 min (bus to rail + train)
By Bus
3 hr+ (multi-leg)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 55 min-2 hr 35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 40 min-2 hr 10 min

🛣️ Most commuting is within the Noosa-Sunshine Coast region rather than to Brisbane.

Walkability Very Walkable

Core beach and town-centre precincts are highly walkable, though regional trips beyond Noosa typically require bus or car.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Noosa Civic, 28 Eenie Creek Road Noosa Heads 4567 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
212.7 / 100k
2yr Down 39.2% 10yr Down 34.1%
Motor vehicle theft
144.5 / 100k
2yr Down 34.1% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
360.5 / 100k
2yr Down 21.2% 10yr Up 63.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.6 / 100k
2yr Down 51.5% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
262.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 25.9%
View all offence categories for Noosa →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,484
Census 2021
5,120
▲ 14.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,036
Personal Income 2021
$47,268
▲ 31.2% 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
$47,268 / yr
$909/wk
Household
$95,836 / yr
$1843/wk
Family
$115,856 / yr
$2228/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

⚖️ Compare Noosa Heads With

🏘️Byron Bay
View comparison →🏘️Mooloolaba
View comparison →

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,361
Born Overseas 1,461

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 390
  • 2. New Zealand 203
  • 3. South Africa 93
  • 4. United States 74
  • 5. Scotland 59
  • 6. Germany 56
  • 7. France 54
  • 8. Brazil 32
  • 9. Netherlands 30
  • 10. Italy 28

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,313
Australian 1,325
Scottish 776
Irish 752
German 298
Italian 190
French 114
Dutch 97
South African 66
New Zealander 60

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,480
Both parents born in Australia
1,618
Both parents born overseas
654
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.1%
Christianity
42.7%
Buddhism
1.2%
Judaism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
141 (2.8%)
5-14 years
503 (9.8%)
15-19 years
217 (4.2%)
20-24 years
153 (3.0%)
25-34 years
411 (8.0%)
35-44 years
492 (9.6%)
45-54 years
696 (13.6%)
55-64 years
846 (16.5%)
65-74 years
995 (19.4%)
75-84 years
495 (9.7%)
85+ years
171 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Noosa Heads known for? +

Noosa Heads is a major coastal centre in the Shire of Noosa, with a 2021 Census population of 5,120. Located at the northern Sunshine Coast, it combines high-profile tourism with permanent residential neighbourhoods and nearby national park landscapes.

How far is Noosa Heads from Brisbane CBD? +

Noosa Heads is approximately 135 km from Brisbane CBD. By car, the journey takes around 1 hr 40 min-2 hr 10 min off-peak and 1 hr 55 min-2 hr 35 min during peak hours.

Does Noosa Heads have public transport? +

Noosa Heads is served by Cooroy Station (21 km away) on the North Coast Line. Bus services also connect to Noosaville / Noosa Junction / Sunshine Beach. The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately 1 hr 40 min-2 hr 10 min by car.

What is the population of Noosa Heads? +

According to the 2021 Census, Noosa Heads has a population of approximately 5,120 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Noosa (Shire).

Is Noosa Heads a good place to live? +

Noosa Heads is a popular choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle, offering beachside living and a relaxed community atmosphere. It suits retirees, families, and sea-changers looking to escape city life.

What is the postcode for Noosa Heads? +

The postcode for Noosa Heads, QLD is 4567.

What is the average income in Noosa Heads? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Noosa Heads is about $909 per week (around $47,300 per year). The median household income is $1,843 per week and the median family income is $2,228 per week.

What is the age profile of Noosa Heads? +

The median age in Noosa Heads is 54. The largest age group is 65–74 (995 residents, around 19%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 32% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Noosa Heads a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Noosa Heads is part of the Noosa 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 Noosa Heads? +

In Noosa Heads, the median weekly rent is $550, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167 (2021 Census).