Wilsonton

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wilsonton's population is around 15,879 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,767 people from the 2021 Census figure of 14,112 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,639 in June 2024 and an additional 184 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 838 persons per square kilometer. Wilsonton's 12.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's 8.8% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 45.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 based on 2021 data. For areas not covered by ABS data, proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth nationally, with the area expected to expand by 500 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 4.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wilsonton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Wilsonton has experienced approximately 41 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY2021 to FY2025, a total of 208 homes were approved, with an additional 19 approved in FY2026 so far. On average, each dwelling built has resulted in 2.4 new residents annually over these five years.

This suggests solid demand supporting property values, despite the average construction cost value of $232,000 per dwelling being below regional norms. In terms of commercial development, $50.7 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong momentum. Compared to other areas in Queensland and nationally, Wilsonton has roughly half the building activity per person, placing it at approximately the 34th percentile nationally, suggesting limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. The area's development consists of 75% detached houses and 25% townhouses or apartments, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated 490 people per dwelling approval, Wilsonton has a quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Wilsonton has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include New Toowoomba Hospital, Kearney West Estate, Toowoomba Fairways Country Club Retirement Village, and Bridge Street Community. The following list details those 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.

Wilsonton shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Wilsonton has a balanced workforce encompassing both white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented within the area, with an unemployment rate of 5.8% as of September 2025.

This rate is 1.7% higher than that of the Rest of Qld, which stands at 4.1%. Workforce participation in Wilsonton lags behind that of the Rest of Qld, at 50.2% compared to 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notably, health care & social assistance is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.3 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 3.6%. Employment opportunities exist locally, but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the 12-month period up to September 2025, employment in Wilsonton increased by 5.7%, while the labour force grew by 3.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, as of May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and a 13.7% increase over ten years. Applying these projections to Wilsonton's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Wilsonton SA2 was $43,247 and the average was $53,139 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages; Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,297 (median) and $60,573 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Wilsonton's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Wilsonton comprises 29.8% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (4,731 residents), unlike regional trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wilsonton; only 83.0% of income remains after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Wilsonton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wilsonton, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wilsonton stood at 35.6%, with mortgaged properties at 24.8% and rented ones at 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Wilsonton was $295, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Wilsonton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.3% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Wilsonton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (29.4%). Educational participation is high at 26.6%, with 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 70 active stops operating in Wilsonton, with a mix of bus services. These are served by two routes, offering 360 weekly passenger trips combined. Accessibility is rated good, with residents usually 248 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 51 trips daily across all routes, equating to about five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wilsonton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wilsonton faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. As of approximately 2023, around 47% (~7,415 people) have private health cover, compared to Queensland's average of 51%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in Wilsonton, affecting 11.7% and 11.6% of residents respectively, while 56.0% report no medical ailments. This compares to 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.8% (4,099 people), compared to 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges largely consistent with those of the general population.

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

Wilsonton had a cultural diversity index below average, with 88.4% citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.6%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 3.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 2.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (29.7%), Australian (28.3%), and Irish (8.7%). Notable differences included German (8.1% vs regional 8.0%), Australian Aboriginal (5.6% vs 3.3%), and Filipino (1.4% vs 0.8%).

Wilsonton's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Wilsonton was 42 years in 2021, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. In Wilsonton, those aged 75-84 made up 10.6% of the population, notably higher than the Rest of Qld average, while those aged 45-54 constituted only 9.4%, lower than the Rest of Qld average. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of Wilsonton's population aged 25-34 increased from 12.2% to 14.6%. Conversely, the proportions of those aged 5-14 decreased from 11.9% to 10.0%, and those aged 45-54 dropped from 10.6% to 9.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Wilsonton. The number of people aged 85 and over is projected to grow by 486 (75%), from 652 to 1,139. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 62% of the population growth, while those aged 35-44 and 65-74 are forecasted to experience population declines.