Gowrie (Qld)

Gowrie lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Gowrie's population was approximately 8,235 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,176 people from the 2021 Census total of 7,059. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,154 in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 101 persons per square kilometer. Gowrie's growth rate of 16.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA3 area (9.2%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.9% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population projections indicate an above median growth for regional areas nationwide, with the area expected to increase by 1,590 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 18.3% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Gowrie among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Gowrie has recorded approximately 75 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 375 homes have been approved, with an additional 25 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.4 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand which supports property values.

The average construction value of new homes is approximately $363,000. This financial year has seen around $637,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Gowrie exhibits 83.0% more construction activity per capita. The new developments primarily consist of detached dwellings at 97.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 3.0%, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 99 people per dwelling approval, Gowrie displays characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Gowrie is projected to add approximately 1,509 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Gowrie has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly affect performance. AreaSearch identified 14 potential impact projects. Key ones are Habitat - Mt Kynoch Masterplan, Meringandan West Commercial Precinct, Queens Park Estates, and Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC). Relevant projects are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The exceptional employment performance in Gowrie places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Gowrie has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent. Unemployment rate is 1.6%.

As of December 2025, 4295 residents are employed, with unemployment at 2.4%, below Regional Qld's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 70.6% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data shows 7.8% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Manufacturing has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services show lower representation at 4.6% versus regional average of 8.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period, labour force decreased by 4.1%, employment declined by 4.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Gowrie. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gowrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Gowrie SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,175 and an average income of $65,923 in financial year 2023, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $62,556 (median) and $73,412 (average). From the 2021 Census data, household, family and personal incomes in Gowrie clustered around the 63rd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 42.9% of locals (3,532 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 31.7% occupied this bracket. After housing costs, residents retained 86.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Gowrie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Gowrie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.7% houses and 0.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gowrie stood at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 61.0% and rented ones at 10.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,627, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $350, slightly higher than Regional Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Gowrie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,627 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also lower at $350 against the national figure of $375.

Gowrie features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 85.4% of all households, including 45.3% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.6%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.

Gowrie shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (37.0%). Educational participation is high at 32.8%, comprising 14.1% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Gowrie's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Gowrie residents.

Mortality rates and health conditions are largely aligned with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,273 people), slightly below the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.9% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 69.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,024 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Gowrie placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gowrie's population, as per the Census 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 93.0% born in Australia, 94.1% being citizens, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 60.5%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.1%), English (29.2%), and German (9.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (3.5%) and Scottish (8.3%) groups were slightly higher than regional averages of 3.9% and 7.8%, respectively, while South Australian representation remained at 0.5%.

Gowrie's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gowrie is 35 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and also under the national average of 38. The 5-14 age cohort is over-represented in Gowrie at 16.3%, compared to Regional Queensland's average, while the 75-84 age group is under-represented at 2.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.9% to 12.6% of the population, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 13.1% to 10.1%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 18.8% to 16.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Gowrie, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 34% (adding 365 people), reaching 1,453 from 1,087. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decrease by 8 residents.