Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Cabarlah has an estimated 1,750 residents, up from 1,307 at the 2021 Census — a change of 443 people, or 33.9%. Growth has averaged 6.0% a year over five years, faster than 96% of areas nationally. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 81.0% of that increase. Density is about 90 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations combining recent regional ABS releases and 24 validated new addresses added post-Census, the suburb of Cabarlah records an Estimated Resident Population of roughly 1,750 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 443 people (33.9%) compared to the 1,307 residents counted during the 2021 Census, building upon the ABS June 2025 ERP benchmark of 1,709 persons. With a density of 89 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers generous living space alongside notable capacity for ongoing expansion. The local gain of 33.9% since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (9.3%) and the broader SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth benchmark.
Inward interstate migration served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 81.0% of recent population additions, while overseas arrivals and natural increase also delivered positive contributions. Projections for the suburb of Cabarlah incorporate ABS/Geoscience Australia models published in 2024 (anchored to 2022 data), supplemented by Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts issued in 2023 (based on 2021 figures) for subsequent timeframes up to 2032 and beyond. Because state-level datasets lack detailed age breakdowns, AreaSearch applies age-cohort distribution weightings derived from the ABS Greater Capital Region 2023 release (2022 base). Across future horizons, demographic growth across the suburb of Cabarlah is projected to surpass the national regional median, adding 321 persons through to 2041 under consolidated SA2 figures, which equates to an overall expansion of 16.0% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
136 new dwellings have been approved in Cabarlah over the past five years, an average of 27 a year. That places the area in the 95th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 15 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 48 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 119, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch shows that dwelling approvals have averaged approximately 27 per annum, accumulating to 136 residential approvals over the preceding 5 financial years. Across FY-25 to date, 119 approvals have been logged. Over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, an average of 4.6 incoming residents arrived for every newly constructed residence, creating a dynamic where buyer demand significantly exceeds new supply and elevates market competition. Approved residential dwellings reflect an estimated mean construction value of $478,000, aligning with regional building norms, alongside $15.7 million in approved commercial activity recorded this financial year.
Per capita residential construction in the area surpasses Rest of Qld by 433.0%, creating diverse options for prospective buyers while signaling notable developer confidence compared to nationwide benchmarks. All recent dwelling creation has centered exclusively on freestanding houses, maintaining the neighborhood's spacious, low-density environment for buyers seeking larger properties. An estimated ratio of 23 people per dwelling approval further highlights steady residential development. Forecasts indicate that population figures will rise by 280 residents leading up to 2041 from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly release. Sustaining the current pace of construction will allow residential output to adequately accommodate projected buyer interest and potentially facilitate expansion beyond existing demographic forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cabarlah
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 41 current infrastructure and development projects close to Cabarlah, worth an estimated $8.38 billion. 19 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, health & medical and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Regional performance and future growth are heavily shaped by strategic public planning and major capital works. AreaSearch has pinpointed 3 projects positioned to influence the surrounding district, featuring Wirraglen Highfields, Botanic Highfields, Central Highfields Activation Project (Infrastructure), and Highfields Trunk Water Main Infrastructure as the primary initiatives of local importance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Central Highfields Activation Project (Infrastructure)
Critical trunk infrastructure works in Central Highfields, including four new roundabouts on Highfields Road (at Kratzke/O'Brien Roads, Lauder Drive and Rogers Drive), realignment of Kratzke and O'Brien Roads, new footpaths and shared paths, stormwater upgrades, and underground relocation of water, sewer, power and telecommunications services. The works unlock at least 343 new dwellings and enable the future Central Highfields Town Centre. Backed by $20.1 million from the Queensland Government's Residential Activation Fund, construction began in early 2026 and staged works are underway through the Highfields Road corridor, with completion expected in early 2028.
Akora Highfields
Residential subdivision development offering large lots averaging 900 square meters, with infrastructure including sewerage, town water, underground power, NBN, and family-friendly amenities such as schools, shops, cycleways, and parks. The project will include 220 lots over 6 stages upon completion.
Botanic Highfields Retirement Village
A premium land lease retirement community featuring 231 single-storey manufactured homes. The development includes a comprehensive community hub with a cinema, gymnasium, wellness facilities, and 30 hectares of dedicated natural flora and fauna habitat. Stage 1 civil works including earthworks, kerbing, and landscaping reached 100% completion in early 2026.
Wirraglen Highfields
Wirraglen is a 36 hectare masterplanned residential community by Hallmark Property at Highfields. Stage 1 has sold out, Stage 2 is now selling, and development approval has recently been secured for a further 96 homesites before operational works and construction of the next precinct. The estate will ultimately provide around 350 residential lots, extensive parkland, walking and cycle paths, and supporting community infrastructure including the adjacent Una Highfields early learning centre.
Central Highfields Masterplan
A 45-hectare masterplanned town centre development featuring commercial, retail, mixed-use, and community areas. Includes a public transport hub, civic spaces, pedestrian links, and an expansion area for the Queensland Fire Department. Designed to cater to long-term regional population growth up to 2051.
Highfields/Kratzke/O'Brien Roads Intersections Upgrade
Comprehensive upgrade of key transport corridors in Highfields including the delivery of multi-lane roundabouts at the Highfields, Kratzke, and O'Brien Roads intersection, as well as connections at Lauder Drive and Rogers Drive. The project involves realigning O'Brien Road, upgrading stormwater drainage, and constructing dedicated shared active transport pathways to support regional population growth.
The Avenues of Highfields
Toowoomba's premier residential development delivering over 500 lots across 13 stages. Features tree-lined streets, urban parklands, and strict builders guild standards. Winner of UDIA Queensland Best Regional Subdivision 2022.
Botanic Highfields
Masterplanned greenfield community in Highfields, Toowoomba. The 90ha estate by CW Group is selling and under active civil works, with 38-42% of the site set aside for native reserve, open space and parklands. Planned yield is 590+ large lots (typically 500-800sqm), with community park, wetlands, and nature links.
Median household income in Cabarlah is $2,273 a week (about $118,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,033 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,265 a year against an average of $77,767. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxation statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate that taxpayers in the suburb of Cabarlah generated a median income of $64,265 alongside an average of $77,767. These earnings comfortably surpass national benchmarks as well as the Regional Qld median ($53,146) and average ($66,593). Incorporating an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 elevates estimated figures to $71,566 (median) and $86,601 (average) by March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places local personal, family, and household incomes within the 81st to 82nd percentiles across Australia.
The largest earning bracket comprises 38.8% of individuals (678 people) receiving $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the regional proportion of 31.7%. Household financial capacity is underscored by 32.4% earning weekly totals above $3,000, which sustains local retail and commercial spending. Furthermore, households retain 88.7% of total earnings after servicing housing payments, contributing to an 8th decile SEIFA income position.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cabarlah had 393 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 48% are owned with a mortgage, 10% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $360 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 15.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the local housing stock consisted of 99.0% standalone houses and 1.0% alternative housing formats (including semi-detached units, apartments, and other residential types), differing markedly from Regional Qld where houses account for 76.4% and other dwellings represent 23.6%. Outright home ownership reached 42.0%, substantially exceeding regional benchmarks, while mortgaged properties accounted for 48.4% and rental dwellings represented 9.6%. Typical monthly mortgage commitments stood at $2,000 compared to the Regional Qld baseline of $1,655 and the nationwide figure of $1,863. Conversely, typical weekly rents stood at $360, slightly above the Regional Qld rate of $345 but below the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cabarlah counted 393 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 526 today, averaging 2.9 people each. 43% are couples with children, more than in 84% of areas nationally, against 38% couples without children. 12% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family configurations account for 86.8% of local households, consisting of couples with children (42.5%), couples without children (38.2%), and single parent households (6.1%). Non-family living arrangements make up the remaining 13.2%, consisting predominantly of lone-person residences (11.7%) and group residences (0.8%). The median household density is 2.9 people, exceeding the 2.5 average observed across Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
25.7% of adults in Cabarlah hold a university qualification, including 18.1% with a bachelor degree and 4.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 96% of areas nationally. A further 28.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Attainment levels across higher education are strong locally, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, outpacing the Rest of Qld standard of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees represent the largest proportion at 18.1%, accompanied by postgraduate qualifications at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.1%. In addition, technical and trade accreditations are held by 40.4% of residents aged 15+, divided between certificates (28.3%) and advanced diplomas (12.1%). A substantial 31.1% of the resident population is actively participating in formal study. Within this learning cohort, primary education accounts for 12.4%, secondary schooling represents 11.2%, and tertiary programs comprise 3.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Cabarlah means driving: households keep an average of 2.2 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local transit network features 9 active transport stops providing bus connections across the suburb of Cabarlah. Network operations run across 1 individual routes, delivering 25 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is comparatively limited, with an average distance of 679 meters separating dwellings from their nearest stop. Private vehicles serve as the main commuting option for 79% of outbound workers, while 16% commute on foot. Dwellings maintain an average of 2.2 vehicles, outperforming regional standards, while 10.9% of employed residents worked remotely according to the 2021 Census. Transit scheduling provides an average frequency of 3 trips per day across the network, translating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
73.6% of residents in Cabarlah report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 76% of areas nationally. 3.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic health patterns demonstrate favorable health outcomes locally, characterized by low occurrences of standard medical disorders across all demographics. Private health insurance coverage is prominent, held by roughly 58% of the populace (~1,015 people), compared to 52.5% documented throughout Regional Qld. Arthritis (7.6%) and mental health conditions (7.3%) represent the most prevalent diagnosed ailments among residents, while 73.6% of the local population reported no long-term medical issues, surpassing the 67.6% recorded across Regional Qld. General health measures for working-age community members align with broader standards.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 21.6% of the population (378 people), above the Regional Qld level of 20.3%, with senior health indicators outperforming comparative national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cabarlah is largely Australian-born, at 89.6% of residents, with 3.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.5%) and Australian (28.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures show that 89.6% of the local population was born in Australia, 92.9% hold Australian citizenship, and 97.0% speak solely English at home. Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian, representing 62.2% of local residents compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Parental country of origin statistics show that English heritage is the most widespread ancestry at 30.5%, followed by Australian at 28.9% and Irish at 10.6%. Specific overseas backgrounds demonstrate higher representation than regional norms, including German heritage at 8.2% (against 4.7% regionally), alongside Welsh at 0.8% (versus 0.5%) and South Australian at 0.8% (versus 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cabarlah is 41. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 21.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions align closely with Regional Qld benchmarks, displaying a maximum variance of 4.1 percentage points across key age divisions. The median age is estimated at 41, increasing from 40 recorded during the 2021 Census and matching the Regional Qld figure of 41 from that same Census. The most noticeable demographic shift involves residents aged 65+, expanding from 15.5% at the Census to an estimated 21.6%. Forecasts to 2041 indicate that senior age brackets will capture the majority of population expansion, rising by 135 residents (36%) to total 513 persons, whereas younger cohorts and children are expected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cabarlah
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 24 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,307 at the 2021 Census → 1,750 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30470). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.