Toowong
Statistical Area - sa2

Toowong lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Toowong's population is around 13,944 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,516 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,428 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,665 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 276 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,593 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Toowong's growth rate of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 84.9%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted, with the area expected to expand by 3,781 persons, an increase of 25.1% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Toowong when compared nationally

Toowong has recorded approximately 151 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 755 homes. As of FY26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY21 and FY25. However, recent data shows this has increased to 10.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $535,000.

There have been $76.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Toowong shows 137.0% higher construction activity per person. New development consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments. With around 359 people per dwelling approval, Toowong indicates a developed market. Population forecasts suggest Toowong will gain 3,502 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand.

Population forecasts indicate Toowong will gain 3,502 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Toowong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 45 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Arc Residences Toowong, One Earle Lane by Azure, The Wesley Hospital Expansion (Chasely Street Health Hub), and Oakman Residences. Below is a list of projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market in Toowong shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Toowong has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025, below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%. As of June 2025, 9,174 residents were employed with an unemployment rate 0.9% lower than Greater Brisbane's and workforce participation at 71.3%, above Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Toowong has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates above-normal local employment opportunities. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Toowong's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Toowong. The median income among taxpayers was $59,258 and the average was $90,960. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median will be approximately $67,548 and the average $103,685, factoring in a 13.99% growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows incomes in Toowong cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The largest income segment is 34.0%, with residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (4,740 residents). This pattern is similar to regional levels where 33.3% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Toowong features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Toowong, as per the latest Census, consisted of 30.1% houses and 69.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 56.6% houses and 43.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toowong was at 21.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.2%) or rented (55.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Toowong was $2,052, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,513. The median weekly rent figure in Toowong was recorded at $420, compared to Brisbane metro's $430. Nationally, Toowong's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 54.0% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.0%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 14.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Toowong places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Toowong is notably high, with 58.0% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 36.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 8.5% and certificates 10.0%.

Educational participation is also high, with 37.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 20.7% in tertiary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing primary education. As of a recent report, Toowong's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,468 students. The area demonstrates strong educational performance, with an ICSEA score of 1169, indicating that local schools are among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. School capacity in Toowong exceeds typical residential needs, with 24.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1, suggesting that the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 69 active public transport stops in Toowong. These include a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. There are 96 individual routes operating, providing 7,223 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,031 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 104 weekly trips per individual stop.

Toowong's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Toowong shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (9300 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 72.2%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Toowong are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.7% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 74.7%. As of the latest data (2021), Toowong has 11.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1553 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Toowong was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Toowong's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most other local markets, with 24.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 35.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Toowong, comprising 38.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 0.2% of Toowong's population.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (24.2%), Australian (19.5%), and Irish (10.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: French was notably present at 0.7%, Chinese at 8.1%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Toowong hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Toowong's median age in 2021 was 30 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Toowong had a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (23.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.7%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds was notably higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of Toowong's population aged 15-24 has increased from 22.5% to 23.5%, while the percentage of residents aged 35-44 has decreased from 13.7% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Toowong's age structure. The number of residents aged 15-24 is projected to increase by 586 people (an 18% rise) from 3,271 to 3,858. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is expected to grow more modestly, with an increase of 32 residents (a 7% rise).