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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
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Cabarlah has an estimated 2,428 residents, up from 1,307 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,121 people, or 85.8%. Growth has averaged 13.3% a year over five years, faster than 99% of areas nationally. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 81.0% of that increase. That puts 124 residents on each 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 evaluations of ABS demographic releases for the broader territory and fresh addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Cabarlah has an estimated population of 2,428 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 1,121 people (85.8%) since the 2021 Census, which registered a population of 1,307 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident headcount of 2,388, estimated by AreaSearch analyzing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) together with 22 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population count yields a density of 124 persons per square kilometer, indicating plenty of room per inhabitant and scope for additional expansion.
The 85.8% growth rate of the suburb of Cabarlah since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (9.2%) and the SA4 region, making it a frontrunner for growth locally. The population surge was mainly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 81.0% of total demographic gains in recent times, though all components including natural increase and overseas migration made positive contributions. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 zone, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 zones lacking this data, and for horizons beyond 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (using 2021 data) are adopted. Because these state figures do not break down population by age bracket, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 data) for each cohort. Looking at future demographic trends, the suburb of Cabarlah is projected to experience population growth exceeding the median of non-metropolitan Australian localities, with an expected increase of 338 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2 projections, representing a total rise of 12.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
141 new dwellings have been approved in Cabarlah over the past five years, an average of 28 a year. That places the area in the 91st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 12 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 32 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 121, 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, distributed from statistical records, indicates that the suburb of Cabarlah has averaged approximately 28 dwelling approvals annually, summing to an estimated 141 residential projects over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 111 approvals have been documented so far. With an average of 7.9 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), local demand strongly outstrips new supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies buyer rivalry, while new homes carry an average construction cost of $480,000—slightly exceeding the regional benchmark—which points to a focus on higher-tier builds.
Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $15.7 million have been logged this financial year, pointing to steady business development activity. Relative to Rest of Qld, construction activity per capita in the suburb of Cabarlah is 204.0% higher, offering purchasers a wide range of options. This figure is significantly higher than the national level, demonstrating substantial developer confidence in the area. Additionally, all recent building activity has consisted of detached houses, preserving the classic low density profile of the suburb of Cabarlah with a focus on spacious family residences. The ratio stands at about 60 people for every approved home construction, showing a growing market. Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Cabarlah will gain 298 residents by 2041 (starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch). At current construction volumes, the generation of new housing should easily satisfy demand, offering favorable purchasing conditions and potentially paving the way for expansion beyond the currently projected population numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cabarlah
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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
Local performance is heavily shaped by changes to municipal infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning initiatives. A total of 2 key developments have been identified by AreaSearch as having a likely local impact. Notable initiatives include Wirraglen Highfields, Botanic Highfields, Central Highfields Activation Project (Infrastructure), and Highfields Trunk Water Main Infrastructure, with the list below highlighting the ones most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
According to the most recent ATO postcode records published by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the median income for taxpayers in the suburb of Cabarlah is $64,265, while the average stands at $77,767. This significantly exceeds the national benchmarks, and compares with a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $71,566 for the median and $86,601 for the average. Census statistics show household, family, and individual earnings in the suburb of Cabarlah are highly positioned, falling in the 81st to 82nd national percentiles.
Looking at the distribution, 38.8% of the community (942 individuals) fall within the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the wider region where 31.7% are in this tier. The area exhibits high prosperity, with 32.4% of residents earning weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, which helps support high-end retail and local services. Residents retain 88.7% of their earnings after paying for housing, pointing to strong discretionary spending, and the suburb of Cabarlah falls in the 8th decile of the SEIFA income index.
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
Residential configurations in the suburb of Cabarlah at the time of the latest Census consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other options like townhouses, flats, or alternative dwellings, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Cabarlah stood at 42.0%, which is considerably higher than the Regional Qld figure, with the remaining residences being held under a mortgage (48.4%) or occupied by tenants (9.6%). The median monthly cost for mortgage holders was $2,000, notably higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rental cost was $360 compared to the Regional Qld figure of $345.
Across the country, mortgage obligations in the suburb of Cabarlah exceed the national average of $1,863, whereas rental costs remain below the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cabarlah counted 393 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 730 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 units constitute the vast majority of households at 86.8%, consisting of couples with children at 42.5%, couples without children at 38.2%, and single parents with children at 6.1%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 13.2%, which is made up of single-person households at 11.7% and group housing representing 0.8% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.9 individuals is larger than the Regional Qld standard of 2.5.
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
The educational profile of the suburb of Cabarlah is distinctive compared to the wider region, with tertiary qualification rates (25.7% of residents aged 15+) higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%, pointing to a strong focus on tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, as 40.4% of individuals aged 15+ hold qualifications consisting of advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (28.3%). Learning engagement is high, with 31.1% of the population in the suburb of Cabarlah enrolled in an educational program.
This proportion is divided into 12.4% attending primary school, 11.2% in high school, and 3.6% undertaking tertiary studies.
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
Analysis of transit options indicates 9 operational stops in the suburb of Cabarlah, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected by 1 distinct routes, which provide 25 weekly passenger journeys. Public transit accessibility is categorized as limited, with locals typically living 679 meters away from the nearest transit point. Being primarily residential, most workers commute out of the suburb of Cabarlah, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 79%, while 16% commute on foot. Average car ownership is 2.2 per home, which is above the regional average. A relatively low proportion of residents (10.9%) work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 settings).
Transit service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all available routes, which is equivalent to roughly 2 weekly trips per transit 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
An evaluation of health indicators shows positive outcomes throughout the suburb of Cabarlah, according to AreaSearch's review of mortality figures and chronic ailment rates, which shows very low occurrences of common illnesses across every age bracket. Furthermore, the rate of private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 58% of the population (~1,408 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. The primary medical conditions recorded in the suburb of Cabarlah were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 7.6% and 7.3% of the community respectively, while 73.6% of residents reported having no medical ailments at all, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Health statistics for working-age individuals are generally standard. Residents aged 65 and over make up 21.6% of the population (524 people), which is higher than the Regional Qld proportion of 20.4%. Health outcomes among older residents are especially favorable, with national comparisons ranking even higher than those of the broader community.
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
The suburb of Cabarlah shows below-average cultural diversity, with 89.6% of the population born in Australia, 92.9% holding citizenship, and 97.0% using only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 62.2% of residents in the suburb of Cabarlah, compared to 52.2% in Regional Qld. In terms of family heritage, the three most common ancestries in the suburb of Cabarlah are English at 30.5%, Australian at 28.9%, and Irish at 10.6%. There are also distinct variations for other heritages: German background is highly represented at 8.2% of the population (compared to 4.7% regionally), Welsh heritage at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%), and South Australian heritage at 0.8% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cabarlah is 41. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 21.0% 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
The median age of 41 years in the suburb of Cabarlah matches the Regional Qld average of 41, though it is slightly older than the Australian median of 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, the suburb of Cabarlah has a higher proportion of residents in the 45 - 54 age bracket (13.8%) but fewer people in the 25 - 34 range (7.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the cohort aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.5% to 7.6% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group went up from 10.3% to 12.2%.
In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.1% to 13.7%, and the 15 to 24 group decreased from 15.1% to 13.1%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts suggest notable changes in the age profile. Leading the shift, the 75 to 84 bracket will increase by 41% (76 people), rising from 184 to 261. Notably, the combined brackets for those aged 65 and over will account for 51% of total growth, illustrating the aging profile of the suburb of Cabarlah, while both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts will see their numbers decline.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 22 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,307 at the 2021 Census → 2,428 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 May 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.