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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Gowrie's population is around 7,912 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 853 people (12.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,059 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,886 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 293 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 97 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Gowrie's 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 59.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,687 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 21.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Gowrie has averaged around 75 new dwelling approvals each year, with 375 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 23 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $363,000. There have also been $637,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Gowrie has 84.0% more building activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 99 people per approval, Gowrie reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Gowrie is expected to grow by 1,661 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Gowrie has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Habitat - Mt Kynoch Masterplan, Meringandan West Commercial Precinct, Queens Park Estates, and Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC), with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Gowrie possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented and an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. As of December 2025, 4,295 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (72.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 4.6% versus the regional average of 8.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1% while employment declined by 4.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Gowrie. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gowrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Gowrie SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $56,175 and an average of $65,923 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is slightly lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,742 (median) and $72,456 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Gowrie cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 42.9% of the community (3,394 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Gowrie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.7% houses and 0.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Gowrie was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 28.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (61.0%) or rented (10.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,627, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Gowrie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 48.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (37.0%).

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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Gowrie residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,106 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.9% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 69.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (966 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 93.0% of its population born in Australia, 94.1% being citizens, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Gowrie is Christianity, which makes up 60.5% of people in Gowrie, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Gowrie are Australian, comprising 33.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 29.2% of the population, and German, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.5% of Gowrie (vs 3.9% regionally), Scottish at 8.3% (vs 7.8%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Gowrie's population is younger than the national pattern

The 35-year median age in Gowrie is considerably lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly modestly under the 38-year national average. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (16.0% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (3.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.7% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 18.8% to 16.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.1% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Gowrie. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 37% (394 people), reaching 1,471 from 1,076. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 1%, adding only 14 residents.