Middle Ridge
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Middle Ridge are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Middle Ridge's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 8,209. This figure reflects an increase of 614 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,595. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 8,120 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 945 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Middle Ridge's 8.1% growth since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities. Based on latest population numbers, Middle Ridge is expected to increase by 728 persons to 2041, with a total increase of 7.8% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Middle Ridge when compared nationally

Middle Ridge has approved approximately 45 dwellings annually. Between fiscal years FY-21 and FY-25, it approved a total of 227 homes, with one more approval in FY-26 so far. On average, about 2.9 people moved to the area each year per new home constructed over these five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is around $339,000, aligning with regional trends. This fiscal year has seen $2.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Middle Ridge's new home approvals per person are comparable, indicating market stability in line with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed recently. New developments consist of 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living that offers more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects the current housing mix of 93.0% houses but addresses reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands.

The estimated population density is around 440 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections suggest Middle Ridge will add approximately 639 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Middle Ridge has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects likely impacting the area. Notable developments include Gabbinbar Retirement Village, 306 Ramsay Street Residential Development, Pinnacle of Kearneys, and Kearney West Estate. 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Middle Ridge performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Middle Ridge's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.0% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 13.3%. As of June 2025, 4,316 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 61.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Construction employed just 6.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 10.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 13.3%, while labour force increased by 13.0%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, suggest potential future demand within Middle Ridge. These projections indicate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Middle Ridge's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Middle Ridge's median income among taxpayers was $63,164 and average income stood at $77,612 in financial year 2022, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $72,001 (median) and $88,470 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Middle Ridge cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,692 residents), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Middle Ridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Middle Ridge's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Middle Ridge was at 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Middle Ridge was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Middle Ridge's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.1% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Middle Ridge exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Middle Ridge, 34.4% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the broader benchmarks of 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 23.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.7% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (19.2%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.9% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Middle Ridge State School and OneSchool Global QLD - Toowoomba serve a total of 703 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1049) and balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary and one K-12 school. However, local school capacity is limited at 8.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: schools with 'n/a' for enrolments should refer to their parent campus.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Middle Ridge has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 132 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 456 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 18 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Middle Ridge is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Middle Ridge faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (4,826 people), compared to 51.0% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 7.3% of residents respectively, while 67.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,927 people), higher than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Middle Ridge was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Middle Ridge's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 20.6% born overseas and 15.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Middle Ridge, accounting for 66.1%, compared to 58.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.9% in Middle Ridge versus 8.0% regionally, South African at 0.7% versus 0.3%, and Scottish at 8.7% versus 7.9%.

Middle Ridge hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Middle Ridge's median age is 43 years, higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The percentage of Middle Ridge residents aged 5-14 is 14.8%, compared to Rest of Qld, while those aged 25-34 make up 7.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.1% to 14.5% of Middle Ridge's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Middle Ridge's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 34%, adding 222 residents to reach 882. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.