Toowoomba - Central

An assessment of population growth drivers in Toowoomba - Central reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Toowoomba - Central's population was around 14,388 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 401 people (2.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,987 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,369 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,511 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future trends, lower quartile growth was anticipated for locations outside capital cities. The area was expected to expand by 618 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 4.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Toowoomba - Central has seen approximately 22 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 110 homes were approved, and another 87 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home built during these years.

This balance between supply and demand has maintained stable market conditions, with new dwellings developed at an average expected construction cost of $365,000. In the current financial year, commercial development approvals totalled $80.5 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Toowoomba - Central has significantly less development activity, approximately 72.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, which is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development in the area consists of 37.0% detached dwellings and 63.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable change from the existing housing stock, which is currently 70.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 969 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Toowoomba - Central will gain around 599 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Toowoomba - Central has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 47 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Retirement Village with 86 single-storey units, Grants for Growth Infrastructure Plan, Mater Dei Primary School Early Years Precinct, and Ruthven Street Social and Affordable Housing Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

Toowoomba - Central has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Toowoomba - Central has an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.2%. As of September 2025, there are 7,472 residents in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while mining shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 3.6%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Over the past year, employment increased by 5.2%, labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rate fell by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Toowoomba - Central's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income among taxpayers in Toowoomba - Central SA2 was $51,743 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $63,578 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Toowoomba - Central SA2 would be approximately $58,982 (median) and $72,473 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Toowoomba - Central rank between the 23rd and 37th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 32.6% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly, with 4,690 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Toowoomba - Central, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Toowoomba - Central, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toowoomba - Central was at 25.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.0%) or rented (46.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Toowoomba - Central was $295, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Toowoomba - Central's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,400 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 58.5% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.5%, with lone person households at 37.1% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Toowoomba - Central aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 26.7%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 25.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

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

The transport analysis shows 110 active stops operating within Toowoomba Central. These are served by a mix of buses along eight routes, offering a total of 939 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 189 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 134 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eight weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Toowoomba - Central, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~7,366 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 11.2% and 9.0% of residents respectively. 64.2% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,414 people), lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly inline with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Toowoomba - Central records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Toowoomba-Central had a cultural diversity profile roughly matching the wider region's average. 84.2% of its population were citizens, 81.5% were born in Australia, and 87.1% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.4% of Toowoomba-Central's population.

The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 3.8% compared to the regional average of 2.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.3%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.4%, Scottish at 8.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.1%, compared to regional averages of 8.0%, 7.9%, and 3.3% respectively.

Toowoomba - Central's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Toowoomba - Central has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 years, and slightly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Toowoomba - Central at 19.1%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Meanwhile, the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.8% to 19.1%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 11.0%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 9.7% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Toowoomba - Central's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 624 people (23%), growing from 2,742 to 3,367. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.