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, as of February 2026, is approximately 7,912. This figure reflects a growth of 853 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,059. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,886 in June 2024 and an additional 293 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 97 persons per square kilometer. Gowrie's growth rate of 12.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.3% to overall population gains in recent periods, although all factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 with a base year of 2022 for each age cohort. According to population projections, the area is expected to increase by 1,687 persons to reach approximately 9,599 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 21.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Gowrie averaged approximately 75 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, totaling 375 homes. In FY26 up to now, 24 new dwellings have been approved. The average number of people moving to Gowrie per newly constructed home over these five years was 2.4, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $363,000. This year has seen $637,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Gowrie has 84.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction consists of 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Gowrie's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

With approximately 99 people per approval, Gowrie is a developing area. By 2041, Gowrie is projected to grow by 1,661 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones are Habitat - Mt Kynoch Masterplan, Meringandan West Commercial Precinct, Queens Park Estates, and Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC). The following list details those most relevant.

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 has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%.

The town's unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation stands at 75.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data from September 2025 shows that 7.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment areas are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 4.6%, compared to the regional average of 8.3%. AreaSearch analysis indicates that over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 4.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Gowrie SA2 is $56,175, with an average of $65,923, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is slightly lower than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,742 (median) and $72,456 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Gowrie cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 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. 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

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

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 14.6%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households making up 1.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 48.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.1% and certificates for 37.0%.

Educational participation is 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, with AreaSearch's analysis indicating mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 52% (~4,106 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.9%) and mental health issues (8.5%), with 69.8% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Gowrie has 12.2% (966 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.4% in Rest of 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 shows low cultural diversity, with 93.0% born in Australia, 94.1% being citizens, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 60.5%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (33.1%), English (29.2%), and German (9.0%) are the top groups.

Some ethnicities diverge notably: Australian Aboriginal at 3.5% (vs regional 3.9%), Scottish at 8.3% (vs 7.8%), and South African at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Gowrie's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gowrie is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and also under the national average of 38. In comparison with the Rest of Queensland average, the 5-14 age group is notably higher at 16.0% locally, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 3.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.9% to 12.7%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has risen from 7.0% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 18.8% to 16.0%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.1% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Gowrie, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 37% (adding 394 people), reaching 1,471 from 1,076. The 15 to 24 age group is expected to display more modest growth of 1%, adding only 14 residents.