Wilsonton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Wilsonton's population is approximately 15,879 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,767 people, a 12.5% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 14,112. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,639 in June 2024 and an additional 184 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 838 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wilsonton's growth rate exceeded both the non-metro area (8.8%) and national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 45.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a lower quartile growth for regional areas nationally, with Wilsonton expected to expand by 500 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a decline of 4.7% in total 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 received approximately 41 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, a total of 208 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over the past five financial years has resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents per year.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $232,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY26, commercial approvals worth $50.7 million have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wilsonton has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks in the 35th percentile nationally for dwelling choices, suggesting limited options for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New developments consist of 75% detached houses and 25% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 490 people, reflecting a quiet development environment. Stable or declining population forecasts may indicate less housing pressure in Wilsonton, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Wilsonton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 39 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include New Toowoomba Hospital, Kearney West Estate, Wilsonton Shopping Centre Redevelopment Stage 2, and Toowoomba Fairways Country Club Retirement Village. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Wilsonton remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Wilsonton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

As of June 2025, 6,593 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.2%. This is 1.3% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Wilsonton is lower at 50.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, mining has a lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 3.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 15.5%, labour force by 13.0%, reducing unemployment by 2.1 percentage points. Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wilsonton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

Wilsonton's median taxpayer income was $43,247 and average income was $53,139 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $49,297 and average income around $60,573, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Wilsonton fell between the 9th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that the largest segment was 29.8%, earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (4,731 residents), unlike the regional trend where 31.7% earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Wilsonton, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

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

The latest Census evaluation of dwelling structures in Wilsonton showed 78.5% houses and 21.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wilsonton was at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.8% and rented dwellings at 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517, and the median weekly rent figure was $295, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Wilsonton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for 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 prevalent, 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%, comprising primary education (9.6%), secondary education (7.6%), and tertiary education (3.3%).

The five schools in Wilsonton have a combined enrollment of 2,147 students. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 13.5 compared to 17.2, with some students possibly attending schools in nearby areas. Educational conditions vary across Wilsonton, with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis indicates 70 active public transport stops in Wilsonton. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There are 2 individual routes operating, collectively offering 360 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 248 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 51 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Wilsonton. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~7,415 people), compared to 51.0% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 11.7% of residents, with arthritis impacting 11.6%. Approximately 56.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is lower than the 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 25.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,099 people), higher than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Wilsonton was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 88.4% of its population being citizens, 87.3% born in Australia, and 92.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Wilsonton, comprising 58.6% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which comprises 3.0% of the population compared to 2.2% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (29.7%), Australian (28.3%), and Irish (8.7%). There are notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 8.1% compared to 8.0% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 5.6% compared to 3.3%, and Filipino at 1.4% compared to 0.8%.

Wilsonton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Wilsonton is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but well above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 10.6% locally, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the current time, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.2% to 14.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.0%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for Wilsonton indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow substantially, increasing by 486 people (75%) from 652 to 1,139. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 62% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 35-44 and 65-74 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.