Toowong

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Toowong's population is around 13,996 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,568 people (12.6%) 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 300 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,607 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Toowong's 12.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 84.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Regarding demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 3,781 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 24.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Toowong has recorded around 151 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 755 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data reveals this has increased to 10.3 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting the area's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New properties are constructed at an average value of $535,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $76.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Toowong shows 137.0% higher construction activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 30.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 359 people per dwelling approval, Toowong shows a developed market.

Population forecasts indicate Toowong will gain 3,450 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 45 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Oakman Residences, Sylvan Residences, Monarch Residences Toowong, and Viridian Residences, 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.

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.

The employment environment in Toowong shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Toowong has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,962 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 29.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 9.0%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.0% while labour force increased by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Toowong. 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 Toowong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Toowong SA2's median income among taxpayers is $60,519, with an average of $90,097. This is extremely high nationally, and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,516 (median) and $99,026 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Toowong cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 34.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,758 residents), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 59th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Toowong, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 30.1% houses and 69.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Toowong lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 21.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.2%) or rented (55.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,052, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Toowong's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 54.0% of all households, comprising 18.5% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.0%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 14.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 58.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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+; advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (10.0%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 69 active transport stops operating within Toowong, comprising a mix of ferry, train, and buses. These stops are serviced by 110 individual routes, collectively providing 7,199 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 60%, with 14% by train and 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 29.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,028 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Toowong, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (9,223 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.7% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 75.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 11.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,626 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 24.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.3% born overseas. The main religion in Toowong is Christianity, which makes up 38.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Toowong are English, comprising 24.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Toowong (vs 0.5% regionally), Chinese at 8.1% (vs 3.4%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

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

With a median age of 30, Toowong is materially younger than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Toowong has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (23.4%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (7.7%). This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.3% to 4.5% of the population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Toowong's age structure. The 15 to 24 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 581 people (18%) from 3,276 to 3,858. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at 8%, adding only 36 residents.