Liveability in Noosa

noosa trails network walkers

Liveability means different things to different people. To understand Liveability across Noosa Shire, Council in conjunction with Place Score undertook a Liveability Survey in 2021 and in 2026. This survey allows us to gain an understanding from community members about what they value most about their neighbourhood and how they rate their neighbourhood. These scores are then combined to provide an overall Liveability Index for the Shire and for each neighbourhood.

Noosa’s first Liveability survey was undertaken in November 2021 with approximately 1,655 participants. In February 2026 we undertook our second survey with over 2,300 participants. The high participation rate provides council with a high level of confidence that all parts of the community are being represented.

The survey results allow us to focus on the things most valuable to our community. It helps us plan and make decisions that will have the biggest impact on your wellbeing. It also recognises that each neighbourhood is different with individual values and experiences. By planning for liveability, we provide safe, healthy, active and resilient communities and places.

What is a Liveability Index?

Liveability is simply what a place is like to live in. Understanding the relationship between people and their places is the key to understanding local liveability, and how it can be enhanced. The survey provides us with an overall Shire wide score as well as individual locations across the shire. These can be found in the Liveability Snapshots below.

In 2021 the Liveability Index score for Noosa Shire was 70 out of 100, which was above the national average score of 68.

In 2026 the Liveability Score for Noosa Shire was 69 out of 100, which is above the national average score of 64.

The Australian Liveability Census undertaken by Place Score in 2025 indicates an overall national and statewide trend of a drop in liveability across the majority of local government areas.

Noosa’s score of 69 shows that Noosa Shire is still performing well in terms of overall Liveability and is performing well above the average Liveability score for QLD of 63 and the National average of 65.

Benefits of a Liveability Index

The Liveability Index shows us our community's priorities and how places are performing. It helps us prioritise projects that will have the biggest impact on wellbeing.

Baseline and trend data — we can measure change in wellbeing before and after projects. We can also compare this with other streets and towns in Australia.

Quantitative measures — we can now measure the strengths and weaknesses of places. We can also track their performance over time.

Evidence-based investment— we can identify the priorities of each local community. This helps us to invest in places based on what is most important to residents and their wellbeing.

Liveability Reports

Find out more about Noosa Shire’s Liveability including our strengths and priorities here:

Neighbourhood Liveability Snapshots 2026

Liveability Report (2021)

Liveability Report 2021

Noosa Shire Summary(PDF, 454KB)