Noosa's natural environment, public open spaces and neighbourhood safety have been revealed as our biggest strengths in the 2026 Liveability Survey, conducted earlier this year.
It's the second Liveability Survey carried out by Noosa Council and Place Score, attracting input from over 2300 people on what they value most in their neighbourhoods and their ideas for the future.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said the survey results enable data-based planning and decision-making.
"It was great that several hundred more respondents took part in this year's survey than the first Liveability Survey in 2021," Mayor Wilkie said.
"Noosa's overall performance this year paints a positive picture about how people who live, work and visit our shire feel about their experiences here, but results also provide an understanding of areas that can be improved to enhance liveability in the shire.
"The data is important as these surveys help guide our discussions and form part of evidence-based decisions on future planning."
Noosa's overall Liveability Index of 69 out of 100 was one point lower than 2021 but outperformed the state (62) and national (64) benchmarks, recorded in the Australian Liveability Census undertaken by Place Score in 2025.
Key findings revealed that our neighbourhoods are environmentally and visually appealing and safe.
The condition of our public open spaces, the quality of pathways connecting homes to shops and services, the accessibility of walking, cycling and public transport, and local job opportunities were highlighted as key areas for improvement.
Neighbourhoods with the highest liveability scores were Noosaville, Noosa Heads and coastal communities in the south of the shire.
"These results will help us identify and focus on what matters most to our community," Council's Principal Strategic Planner Michelle Tucker said.
"They'll guide our future planning and ensure our decisions deliver the greatest benefit to people's wellbeing.
"They also remind us that every neighbourhood in our shire is unique, with its own values and experiences."
A full summary of the 2026 Liveability Survey is now available on Council's website, as well as neighbourhood snapshots.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie on the 2026 Liveability Survey results:
Liveability-Survey-results-2026.mp3
