Telina - Toolooa

Population growth drivers in Telina - Toolooa are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Telina - Toolooa's population is around 6,770 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 383 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,387 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,767 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 288 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Telina - Toolooa has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.7% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 50.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,150 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Telina - Toolooa has averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 54 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 4.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $355,000. There have also been $916,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Telina - Toolooa records markedly lower building activity (50.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 545 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Telina - Toolooa adding 1,147 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Telina - Toolooa has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Clinton Industrial Estate, Port of Gladstone Gatcombe and Golding Cutting Channel Duplication Project, Gladstone Project, and Clinton Vessel Interaction Project, 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.

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Telina - Toolooa has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Telina - Toolooa possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. As of December 2025, 3,705 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (72.7% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in manufacturing, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 3.0 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 10.2% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The predominantly residential 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, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.3% combined with employment decreasing by 3.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Telina - Toolooa. 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 Telina - Toolooa's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Telina - Toolooa SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $68,454 with the average level standing at $84,786. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $75,238 (median) and $93,188 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Telina - Toolooa cluster around the 61st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 36.9% of the population (2,498 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

Dwelling structure within Telina - Toolooa, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.2% houses and 7.8% 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 Telina - Toolooa was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 22.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.5%) or rented (36.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Telina - Toolooa's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Telina - Toolooa has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.6% of all households, comprising 35.2% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Telina - Toolooa fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (37.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 10.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 19 active transport stops operating within Telina - Toolooa, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 180 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 381 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 3.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 25 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Telina - Toolooa is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Telina - Toolooa, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (4,170 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.3 and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 70.2% 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 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (729 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Telina - Toolooa is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Telina - Toolooa was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.4% of its population being citizens, 87.1% born in Australia, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Telina - Toolooa is Christianity, which makes up 46.4% of people in Telina - Toolooa, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Telina - Toolooa are Australian, comprising 31.2% of the population, English, comprising 29.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Telina - Toolooa (vs 0.8% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.8% (vs 3.9%) and German at 4.6% (vs 4.7%).

Telina - Toolooa hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

With a median age of 33, Telina - Toolooa is materially younger than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and well below Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 16.8% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 7.0%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.7% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 10.7% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Telina - Toolooa's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 32% (363 people), reaching 1,502 from 1,138. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group will contract by 35 residents.