Toowoomba - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Toowoomba - West lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Toowoomba - West's population was approximately 18,097 as of August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 2,249 people (14.2%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,848 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,587 in June 2024 and an additional 530 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 112 persons per square kilometer. Toowoomba - West's growth rate exceeded that of non-metro areas (8.6%) and the national average, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the population is forecasted to increase by 6,518 persons, representing a total rise of 33.2% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Toowoomba - West was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Toowoomba - West has recorded approximately 212 residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 1062 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, with an additional 26 so far in FY-26. On average, 3.2 new residents per year have been associated with every home built over these five financial years. This supply has substantially lagged demand, typically leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $408,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. In the current financial year, $118.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Toowoomba - West shows 105% higher new home approvals per person, creating greater choice for buyers and demonstrating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (96%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (4%), preserving the area's low density nature. This emphasis on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers.

The location currently has approximately 107 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Toowoomba - West will gain 6008 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Toowoomba - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include Glenvale Town Centre, Gainsborough Lodge, Glenvale Road Townhouses, and Glenvale Health Hub, as detailed below.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Toowoomba - West performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Toowoomba - West has a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 3.9%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 13.9% over the past year. As of June 2025, 10,368 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 67.8%, higher than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. The area has a specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while accommodation & food employs only 5.9% of local workers, below Rest of Queensland's rate of 8.3%.

Many residents appear to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 13.9%, labour force grew by 13.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Queensland saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Toowoomba - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Toowoomba - West had a median income among taxpayers of $51,624 and an average level of $63,425. These figures were just below the national average. Rest of Qld had levels of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Toowoomba - West as of March 2025 would be approximately $57,669 (median) and $70,852 (average). Census data revealed household, family and personal incomes in Toowoomba - West clustered around the 58th percentile nationally. Distribution data showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 39.7% of the community (7,184 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.8% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Toowoomba - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Toowoomba - West, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 85.9% houses and 14.1% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toowoomba - West was at 29.6%, with mortgaged properties at 39.0% and rented dwellings at 31.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had average mortgage repayments of $1,517 and weekly rents of $310. Nationally, Toowoomba - West's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Toowoomba - West features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.8% of all households, including 34.2% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.2%, with lone person households at 18.9% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is significantly lower than the Australian average at 18.0% compared to 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 40.5% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high at 31.2%, with 10.8% enrolled in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Toowoomba - West has a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 1,442 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1016). The educational mix includes 5 primary and 2 K-12 schools. Local school capacity is limited at 8.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 12 active stops operating within Toowoomba - West, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes in total, offering 183 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 995 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 15 weekly trips per stop on average.

Health outcomes in Toowoomba - West are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Toowoomba - West shows below-average health indicators with common conditions' prevalence similar to national averages but higher among older residents.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering around 9,265 people. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.2% and 8.8% of residents respectively. About 67.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.2%, equivalent to around 2,937 people, versus the state's 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require particular attention due to existing challenges.

Toowoomba - West ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Toowoomba-West has a population where 87.2% were born in Australia, 90.6% are citizens, and 90.7% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 64.2%, compared to 58.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.0%), English (28.0%), and German (8.6%).

Notable differences exist in the representation of Filipino (1.6% vs regional 0.8%), Australian Aboriginal (3.2% vs 3.3%), and Irish (8.2% vs 9.1%) populations.

Toowoomba - West hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Toowoomba - West is 34 years, which is notably lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Rest of Qld, Toowoomba - West has a higher concentration of 25-34 year-olds at 16.9% compared to 15.1% in the 2021 Census, but fewer 55-64 year-olds at 10.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 5-14 age group has declined from 14.2% to 12.6%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, Toowoomba - West is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 50%, adding 1,524 people to reach 4,583 from the current 3,058. The 5-14 group displays more modest growth at 9%, adding only 213 residents.