Tinbeerwah
A median age of 50 sits 10 years above the national figure, and 54.4% of residents own their homes outright, making Tinbeerwah one of the more settled owner-occupier pockets on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Population has grown 28.5% over the decade, faster than most established areas, yet the suburb remains small at 1,160 people across 21.85 square kilometres. The vacancy rate of 10.4% is elevated compared to typical residential suburbs, reflecting the rural-residential character rather than rental market weakness. Household incomes place at the 62.2nd percentile nationally, comfortably above median, supported by a workforce where Managers and Professionals account for the two largest occupation groups.
Population
1,160
Median Age
50.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,768/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
0
Median House
$535K
Estimated from rent (2025)
The median house price is estimated at $535,000 based on 2025 rental data, and monthly mortgage repayments average $2,084, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 27.2%, below the 30% stress threshold. That affordability is meaningful compared to coastal Sunshine Coast suburbs where medians regularly exceed $1 million. The stock is almost entirely separate houses at 99% of dwellings, with apartments at just 1%, so buyers face a homogeneous but supply-constrained market. Four-plus bedroom homes dominate at 55.1% of dwellings, with three-bedroom homes at 33.8%, making this better suited to families or those seeking space than downsizers. Only 8.6% of residents rent, which is low compared to the state average, reinforcing that this is an owner-occupier community.
For Buyers
The median house price is estimated at $535,000 based on 2025 rental data, and monthly mortgage repayments average $2,084, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 27.2%, below the 30% stress threshold. That affordability is meaningful compared to coastal Sunshine Coast suburbs where medians regularly exceed $1 million. The stock is almost entirely separate houses at 99% of dwellings, with apartments at just 1%, so buyers face a homogeneous but supply-constrained market. Four-plus bedroom homes dominate at 55.1% of dwellings, with three-bedroom homes at 33.8%, making this better suited to families or those seeking space than downsizers. Only 8.6% of residents rent, which is low compared to the state average, reinforcing that this is an owner-occupier community.
For Investors
With a renter share of just 8.6% and a vacancy rate of 10.4%, the rental investment case is thin relative to denser suburban markets. Weekly rent averages $400, and against a $535,000 median that implies a gross yield around 3.9%, modest but not uncompetitive for a hinterland location. The vacancy rate of 10.4% is higher than the state average and signals limited rental demand, meaning periods without tenants are a realistic risk. Population grew 28.5% over the decade and net internal migration averages 66 residents per year, which provides some demand support over the medium term. Development activity recorded zero applications in the past 12 months, consistent with the rural-residential nature and limited subdivision potential.
Demographics
The median age of 50 is 10 years older than the national figure, reflecting a well-established owner base rather than a suburb in formation. The senior share rose 4.4 points over the decade while the working-age share fell 1.7 points, confirming the aging trajectory is continuing. Overseas-born residents reach 23.6%, which is 2 points above national, with ancestry led by English (567 residents), Scottish (155) and Irish (137). University qualifications stand at 32.6%, which is 2.5 points above the national average, consistent with the Professionals and Managers who make up the top two occupation groups. Average household size is 2.7, slightly above the national figure, and 38.5% of families are couples without children, reflecting the older age profile.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
99.0%
Houses
N/A
Townhouse
1.0%
Apartment
Tenure
Owner-occupier tenure dominates: 54.4% own outright and 37.0% carry a mortgage, leaving renters at just 8.6%, a split that skews well below the state average for renting. The outright ownership rate of 54.4% indicates a long-settled resident base with low financial leverage. Dwellings are overwhelmingly separate houses at 99%, and four-plus bedroom homes account for 55.1% of stock, which is above typical suburban distributions. Rent-to-income sits at 22.6%, below the 30% stress threshold, and mortgage-to-income at 27.2% is similarly comfortable. The median house price of $535,000 sits below the broader Sunshine Coast coastal medians, providing relative affordability for a region that has experienced strong price growth over recent years.
Mortgage / mo
$2,084
Rent / wk
$400
HH Size
2.7
Personal Income / wk
$776
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
10.4%
Unoccupied
47
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
22.6%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
27.2%
Community Profile
Ancestry
Household Composition
38.5%
Couples, no children
1,013
Total families
Economy & Employment
Construction leads the local industry mix at 15.8% of employed residents (58 workers), followed by Healthcare at 13.6% (50 workers) and Professional/Tech at 10.9% (40 workers). The top occupation groups are Managers (114) and Professionals (101), together representing a majority of the working population, which is higher-skilled than the income figures alone would suggest. Unemployment stands at 6.0% and the participation rate is 50.2%, the latter reflecting that 389 residents are not in the labour force, consistent with a suburb where the median age of 50 means a significant retired cohort. SEIFA scores place the suburb at IRSAD decile 4 and IEO decile 3 nationally, below average on education and advantage, though the IER decile of 6 indicates moderate economic resources relative to needs. Real income growth of 13.4% over the decade is positive but below the pace of rent growth at 25.8%.
Unemployment
4.6%
Labour Force
5,060
Unemployed
232
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
56.3%
Part-time
37.7%
Participation
50.2%
Employed
451
Occupations
Top Industries
University
32.6%
Postgraduate
8.1%
Born Overseas
23.6%
Dwellings
406
Transport to Work
Car dependency is high at 90% driving to work, above the national average, with public transport usage not recorded, reflecting the rural-residential setting across 21.85 square kilometres. Walking and cycling account for 3.6% of commutes, relatively limited compared to denser suburban areas. No schools are recorded within the suburb boundary, so families rely on schools in neighbouring towns such as Cooroy and Tewantin. Crime data is not available for Tinbeerwah, though the IRSD decile of 4 places the suburb below the national median on relative disadvantage measures. Volunteering runs at 20.8%, above the national average, and only 4.5% of residents (51 people) require daily assistance. The rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% keeps housing costs well below the stress threshold for the 8.6% of residents who rent.
Drive
90.0%
Public Transport
N/A
Walk / Cycle
3.6%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+2.03%/yr
(+202 people/yr)
EstablishedAnnual population growth is tracking at 2.03%, or approximately 202 additional persons per year, above average for an established suburb of this size. The 10-year population change of 28.5% indicates sustained momentum, and medium forecasts project the broader area reaching 11,316 by 2031. Net internal migration averages 66 residents per year and overseas migration contributes 60, giving a balanced dual driver that is more resilient than suburbs relying on a single source. The gentrification score is 20 with early signs noted, including population growth of 35% since 2011 and the ongoing internal migration. Affordability improved from 62.8% in 2011 to 56.6% in 2021, suggesting the suburb has become more attainable relative to incomes over the decade despite broader price increases.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Balanced
Net Overseas / yr
+60
Net Internal / yr
+66
Gentrification Signal
Early signs
Population +35% since 2011, Net internal migration +66/yr
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Tinbeerwah compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tinbeerwah a good suburb to live in?
Tinbeerwah suits owner-occupiers seeking space and relative affordability on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. With 54.4% of residents owning outright and a mortgage-to-income ratio of 27.2%, financial stress is low. The median age is 50, 10 years above national, so it suits established households more than young families needing nearby schools or public transport.
What is the median house price in Tinbeerwah?
The median house price is estimated at $535,000 based on 2025 rental data. Weekly rent averages $400 and monthly mortgage repayments average $2,084. This is below coastal Sunshine Coast medians, where prices regularly exceed $1 million, making Tinbeerwah a relatively affordable hinterland option.
What schools are in Tinbeerwah?
No schools are recorded within the Tinbeerwah suburb boundary. Families rely on schools in nearby towns. Despite the lack of local schools, 32.6% of residents hold university qualifications, which is 2.5 points above the national average, reflecting a well-educated adult population.
Is Tinbeerwah safe?
Specific crime statistics are not available for Tinbeerwah. The suburb scores at IRSD decile 4 nationally, below the median on relative disadvantage, which is a moderating factor. The volunteering rate of 20.8% and an outright ownership rate of 54.4% suggest a stable, settled community, though formal crime data would be needed for a complete assessment.
Is Tinbeerwah good for property investment?
The rental investment case is limited, with only 8.6% of residents renting and a vacancy rate of 10.4%, higher than typical residential suburbs. Gross yield is around 3.9% against a $535,000 median at $400 weekly rent. The 10-year population growth of 28.5% and annual net migration of 66 internal residents provide longer-term demand support, but rental returns are modest.
How is Tinbeerwah's population changing?
The population has grown 28.5% over 10 years and is currently tracking at 2.03% annually, adding around 202 people per year. Net internal migration averages 66 residents per year and overseas migration contributes 60, giving a balanced growth profile. Medium forecasts project the broader area reaching 11,316 by 2031, continuing the upward trend.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
Explore Tinbeerwah on the Map
View parcels, zoning overlays, DA applications, schools and more.
Open Interactive Map