North Toowoomba - Harlaxton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton's population is around 6,643 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,426 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,607 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 644 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 65.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected. The area is expected to grow by 1,268 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton has averaged approximately 15 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 77 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved so far in FY26. On average, this area sees around 3.5 new residents arriving for each dwelling constructed over these five years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $287,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $12.1 million have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, North Toowoomba - Harlaxton has significantly less development activity, at 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

When measured against national averages, this area's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton shows a mix of dwelling types: 69.0% detached dwellings and 31.0% townhouses or apartments. This expanding range of medium-density options provides opportunities across various price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. The estimated population density is around 654 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, North Toowoomba - Harlaxton is projected to grow by approximately 1,232 residents by the year 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 28 infrastructure projects that could impact the area's performance. Key projects include North Street Warehouse Development, The Willows, Harlaxton (formerly Northgate Vista Estate), Habitat Mt Kynoch, and New Toowoomba Hospital.

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

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Employment performance in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton has been broadly consistent with national averages

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton has a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 15.8% over the past year.

In June 2025, 3,345 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 56.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, health care & social assistance has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Mining has limited presence in the area with only 0.9% of employment compared to the regional average of 3.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 15.8%, while the labour force grew by 12.9%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Toowoomba - Harlaxton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7%% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton's median income among taxpayers was $46,868 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $57,589 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. As of September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $53,425 and the average income around $65,646, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton fell between the 16th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Family incomes followed a similar pattern, with personal incomes also within this range. The predominant income cohort comprised 29.2% of locals (1,939 people), earning $1,500 to $2,999 per week, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% fell into this category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton had 79.4% houses and 20.5% other dwellings in its dwelling structure as of the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton was 24.2%, with dwellings either mortgaged (29.7%) or rented (46.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,301, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310 and the national figure of $375.

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.1% of all households, including 21.4% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households making up 4.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

In North Toowoomba - Harlaxton, 21.3% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.9% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (27.3%). Educational participation is high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.7% in secondary, 9.8% in primary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

The area has three schools with a combined enrollment of 1,406 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 952) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools include one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 institution. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 21.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, indicating that North Toowoomba - Harlaxton serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

The analysis of public transport in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton shows that there are 45 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 316 weekly passenger trips provided by the services. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 181 meters from the nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages 45 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton faces significant health challenges, with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages, particularly among older age groups. As of approximately 2016-17, only about 48% (~3,208 people) had private health cover, lower than the Rest of Qld's 51.0% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affected around 11.8% of residents, while asthma impacted approximately 8.7%, with about 63.9% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in Rest of Qld.

Around 16.1% (1,072 people) were aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld but with health outcomes requiring more attention due to specific challenges faced by seniors.

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Toowoomba-Harlaxton showed cultural diversity levels below average, with 84.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home (84.2%, 89.9% respectively). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.9% of the population. The most significant overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, with 5.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 2.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.2%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.4%). Notable divergences included overrepresentation of German (6.8% vs regional 8.0%), Australian Aboriginal (4.4% vs 3.3%), and Scottish (8.0% vs 7.9%) groups.

North Toowoomba - Harlaxton hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in North Toowoomba - Harlaxton is 34, which is notably below Rest of Qld's average of 41 and substantially under Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, North Toowoomba - Harlaxton has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (17.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 14.8% to 16.1%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.4% to 10.9% and the 45-54 age group dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. By 2041, North Toowoomba - Harlaxton is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 467 people and reaching 1,601 from the current 1,133. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to decrease by 19 residents.