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 was around 13,942 as of Aug 2025, showing an increase of 1,514 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 12,428 people in Toowong. This increase is inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 13,665 as of June 2024 and an additional 275 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,593 persons per square kilometer, placing Toowong 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 of 8.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Forecasting demographic trends, a significant population increase is expected in Toowong by 2041, with an anticipated expansion of 3,781 persons, representing a total 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 annually. Development approval data from the ABS is on a financial year basis, totalling 755 approvals across the past five financial years (FY21 to FY25), with none recorded so far in FY26. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this figure has increased to 10.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost value of $1,711,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties by developers.

There have been $76.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Toowong has 137.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice despite recent moderation in development activity. This high activity level is significantly above the national average, suggesting strong developer interest. New development consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This trend reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. With around 359 people per dwelling approval, Toowong shows a developed market. Population forecasts indicate Toowong will gain 3,504 residents by 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified a total of 49 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Arc Residences Toowong, One Earle Lane by Azure, Oakman Residences, and Sylvan Residences. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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

Toowong's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with professional services being well-represented. The unemployment rate in Toowong is 3.2%, lower than the national average.

Over the past year, there has been an estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of June 2025, 9,174 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Toowong is 71.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. There are 0.7 workers per resident, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced an employment rise of 4.4% and a labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%, lagging the national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Toowong's median income among taxpayers is $59,258. The average income in this period was $90,960. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Greater Brisbane median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Toowong's median income would be approximately $66,197 as of March 2025, with an average estimated at $101,611 during the same period. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Toowong cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The largest segment of income distribution comprises 34.0% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 4,740 residents falling into this category. This pattern is similar to regional levels where 33.3% occupy the same income range. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income in Toowong. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. 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

Toowong's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 30.1% houses and 69.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 56.6% houses and 43.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toowong stood at 21.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.2%) or rented (55.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,052, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,513. The median weekly rent in Toowong was $420, slightly higher than Brisbane metro's $430. Nationally, Toowong's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,052 compared to 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 comprise 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 constitute the remaining 46.0%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households making up 14.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is 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

Toowong's educational attainment is notably higher than state and national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 58% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 36.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways make up 18.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 10%.

Educational participation is 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. The area's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,468 students. Toowong's schools demonstrate high performance, with an ICSEA score of 1169, indicating they are among the most advantaged nationally. The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 24.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1, suggesting Toowong 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

Toowong has 69 active public transport stops offering a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are served by 96 individual routes, collectively facilitating 7223 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1031 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 104 weekly trips per stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results throughout Toowong, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is notably high at approximately 67% of the total population (9299 people), compared to 72.2% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.7% and 7.4% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 75.1%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% in Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, 11.1% of Toowong's population is aged 65 and over (1553 people). Senior health outcomes are commendably strong and largely align with the overall 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 was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 24.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Toowong, comprising 38.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Toowong compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 0.2% versus 0.2%.

Regarding ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three groups in Toowong are English at 24.2%, Australian at 19.5%, and Irish at 10.4%. There are also significant disparities in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.7% compared to the regional average, Chinese at 8.1% versus 3.3%, and Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.7%.

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

Toowong's median age is 30, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Toowong has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (23.5%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.7%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 22.5% to 23.5% of Toowong's population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 13.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Toowong's age structure. The 15 to 24 age group is projected to increase by 587 people (an 18% rise) from 3,270 to 3,858 residents. The 0 to 4 age group shows more modest growth of 7%, adding only 32 residents.