Ridgewood

QLD 4563 • Queensland

317
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
35.73 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHinterlandBushlandPeacefulNoosa Biosphere
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About Ridgewood

Ridgewood is a rural locality in the Shire of Noosa, situated in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland approximately 32 kilometres west of Noosa Heads. Covering around 35.7 square kilometres of rolling hills and forested ridgelines, the area is entirely within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve — a UNESCO-recognised region of high conservation value. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 317 people, with a largely owner-occupier demographic drawn to the peaceful semi-rural character and natural surroundings.

Ridgewood attracts residents who value space, privacy, and a genuine connection to nature, with acreage properties and hobby farms common throughout the locality. The nearby township of Cooroy, less than 15 kilometres away, provides everyday needs including supermarkets, schools, and medical services, while Noosa Heads is a short drive east for beaches, restaurants, and boutique shopping. The community's position within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve ensures strong environmental protections and ongoing stewardship of the surrounding bushland, making Ridgewood an appealing retreat for those seeking a quiet hinterland lifestyle with easy access to both coast and country.

Ridgewood falls under postcode 4563 and is governed by the Noosa Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Longman, while state elections fall under the Noosa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4563
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.43°, 152.91°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
35.73 km²
Population Density
9 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4563

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4563, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,444
Median 2023–24
$49,265
24.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$70,457

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4563; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cooroy Station
14 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Limited Translink rural services — Cooroy / Noosa Varies; services are infrequent

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
Drive to Cooroy station (~14km), then train to Brisbane (~2 hr)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min

🛣️ Car is essential for Ridgewood; nearest practical rail access is Cooroy Station. Sunshine Motorway and Bruce Highway provide main routes to Brisbane.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Ridgewood is a dispersed rural locality with no village centre; a car is essential for all daily errands and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
317
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
212.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
144.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
360.5 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
6.6 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
262.5 / 100k

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ridgewood known for? +

Ridgewood is known for its tranquil rural character within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, offering residents a true hinterland lifestyle of acreage properties, forest ridgelines, and abundant wildlife just a short drive from the Sunshine Coast beaches.

How far is Ridgewood from Noosa? +

Ridgewood is approximately 32 kilometres west of Noosa Heads, making it around a 35-45 minute drive via the Eumundi-Kenilworth Road. Cooroy, the closest township, is roughly 14 kilometres away.

Does Ridgewood have public transport? +

Public transport in Ridgewood is very limited. The nearest rail service is at Cooroy Station on the Sunshine Coast Line, approximately 14 kilometres away. Residents overwhelmingly rely on private vehicles for daily travel.

What is the population of Ridgewood? +

Ridgewood had a population of 317 people at the 2021 Census, spread across approximately 35.7 square kilometres of rural hinterland in the Shire of Noosa.

Is Ridgewood a good place to live? +

Ridgewood is ideal for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle with good proximity to the Sunshine Coast. Its position within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve is a drawcard for nature lovers, while the Sunshine Coast's beaches, schools, and services remain accessible by car. A vehicle is essential.

What is the postcode for Ridgewood? +

The postcode for Ridgewood, Queensland is 4563, which it shares with several other localities in the Cooroy area of the Shire of Noosa.

Is Ridgewood a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ridgewood 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.