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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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Crows Nest (Qld) has an estimated 2,358 residents, up from 2,212 at the 2021 Census — a change of 146 people, or 6.6%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 90.0% of that increase. Density is about 25 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's evaluation of regional ABS updates alongside post-Census address validations, the suburb of Crows Nest (Qld) has an estimated count of approximately 2,358 residents as of Aug 2026. Comparing this to the 2,212 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census, the local community has expanded by 146 people (6.6%). This adjustment stems from an Estimated Resident Population of 2,325 derived from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 25 validated new addresses identified following the Census. The suburb maintains a spacious living environment, reflected in a population density of 24 persons per square kilometer.
By recording a 6.6% increase since the 2021 census, the suburb of Crows Nest (Qld) outpaced both its broader SA3 district and the SA4 region (5.0%), establishing itself as a standout performer in regional growth. The primary catalyst behind these gains was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 90.0% of recent population additions. Projections for each SA2 district utilise ABS/Geoscience Australia data published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. Where SA2 coverage is absent, or for timeframes beyond 2032, figures incorporate Queensland State Government SA2 projections issued in 2023 relying on 2021 benchmarks. Because these state figures do not break down age brackets, AreaSearch applies proportional distribution weightings derived from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 figures) across age groups. Looking toward long-term demographic patterns, expansion is anticipated to sit slightly under the median across regional Australian locations. Aggregated SA2 projections indicate the suburb of Crows Nest (Qld) is on track to add 189 persons by 2041, representing an overall increase of 6.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity across Crows Nest is modest, averaging 2 new dwellings approved per year, or 12 approvals across a five-year timeframe. Subdued building volumes of this nature are typical for regional localities where accommodation requirements remain conservative and building activity aligns with local demand and existing infrastructure limits. Given the limited volume of approvals, annual growth rates and comparative metrics can fluctuate substantially due to single projects. Building volumes in Crows Nest track considerably lower than Rest of Qld, while also falling short of national benchmarks. Residential construction comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% attached dwellings, preserving the spacious, rural character of the locality.
There are roughly 201 people per dwelling approval, pointing to potential for further development. Projections based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures indicate that Crows Nest will add 156 residents by 2041. If building activity continues at current levels, residential additions could fall short of demographic expansion, which may intensify competition among purchasers and place upward pressure on values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Crows Nest (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Crows Nest (Qld). A further 37 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.26 billion. 18 are already under construction and 10 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 economic momentum and demographic outcomes are fundamentally driven by major planning strategies and infrastructure developments. AreaSearch has pinpointed 1 key initiative set to influence the surrounding region. Significant regional projects of note include the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement, Proposed Inland Rail Tunnel (Gowrie to Brisbane Port), Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC), and Clifford Park Special School - Relocation of Denise Kable Centre, with detailed information on the most pertinent works outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement
A $270 million project to upgrade the Cressbrook Dam, including spillway improvements and structural enhancements, to ensure long-term water security and flood management for the Toowoomba region. Construction started in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Highfields North Estate Stages 8-10
Residential subdivision delivering 114 lots in stages 8-10 of the Highfields North Estate in Kleinton, near Highfields. The estate provides green open spaces, pedestrian links, and is connected to essential services including sewerage, NBN, town water, and underground power.
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.
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.
Queens Park Estates
Queens Park Estates is a 204 lot residential subdivision on the northside of Toowoomba at Meringandan West, close to the new $1.3Bn Toowoomba hospital under construction. Stage 1 and 2 are sold out and Stage 3 is now selling, with construction underway across all three stages. The estate sits next to Meringandan State School and future approved supermarket, dining, medical, childcare and private school amenity, with elevated H Class soil blocks and eligibility for the $30,000 first home owners grant.
Kilalah Park Estate
Premium residential estate in the heart of Highfields featuring over 200 home sites with scenic views over the Bunya Mountains, tree-lined streets, parks, playgrounds, and proximity to schools and shops.
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.
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.
942 residents of Crows Nest (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 983. Unemployment sits at 4.1%, with participation at 47.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,949, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market features a mix of white and blue-collar occupations, supported by strong participation in essential services. Based on aggregated statistical district data compiled by AreaSearch, the area maintains an unemployment rate of 4.1% following a stable year of employment. As of March 2026942 residents are employed, the local unemployment rate sits 0.2% higher than the 3.9% recorded across Regional Qld, and the participation rate of 47.6% trails Regional Qld's 64.2% by a considerable margin. Census findings showed that 10.8% of workers operated from home, though this figure was influenced by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Local workers are predominantly engaged in health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The community exhibits a strong industry focus on agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing workers at 2.2 times the broader regional rate. Conversely, accommodation & food accounts for a smaller footprint, making up 5.4% of local jobs compared to 8.3% regionally. Comparing resident workers against the Census working population suggests that local employment openings remain relatively constrained. AreaSearch's evaluation of combined SALM and ABS figures indicates that over the twelve months to March 2026, the local workforce grew by 1.5% while total jobs fell by 0.1%, causing the unemployment rate to climb by 1.4 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, the workforce expand by 0.3%, and unemployment edge up by 0.1 percentage points. Additional perspective on future labour requirements in Crows Nest comes from Jobs and Skills Australia's Mar-26 national employment forecasts. These five and ten-year projections have been applied against the local industry profile. Nationally, employment is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories vary widely across individual sectors. Applying these industry weightings to the local employment distribution suggests job numbers in Crows Nest could rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (note that this is an illustrative weighting extrapolation and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Crows Nest (Qld) is $913 a week (about $47,000 a year), with median personal income at $492 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $39,046 a year against an average of $47,162. 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 latest ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 published by AreaSearch, taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Crows Nest reflect a median of $39,046 and an average of $47,162. These figures track below national standards and regional benchmarks, with Regional Qld recording a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023 brings estimated current figures to roughly $43,482 for the median and $52,520 for the average as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household measures in the Census, local earnings place between the 1st and 3rd percentiles across Australia.
In terms of distribution, 34.2% of residents (806 individuals) make between $400 - 799 weekly, contrasting with the wider region where 31.7% fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. Because 45.0% take home under $800 each week, household budgets face pressure that moderates local retail spending. Residual income following housing costs stands at 85.4%, placing the community in only the 3rd percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Crows Nest (Qld) had 893 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 26% rented and 50% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $270 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,118 a month. Rent absorbs 29.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 28.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the most recent Census, the local housing landscape consisted of 92.6% separate houses alongside 7.4% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached properties, whereas Regional Qld recorded 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Outright home ownership in Crows Nest reached 49.5%, noticeably higher than the regional benchmark, while 25.0% of properties had a mortgage and 25.5% were tenanted. Monthly mortgage repayments stood at a median of $1,118 and weekly rent sat at a median of $270, both tracking well below the Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345. On a national scale, local monthly mortgage costs remain far below the Australian benchmark of $1,863, and weekly rents are markedly lower than the nationwide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Crows Nest (Qld) counted 893 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 952 today, averaging 2.1 people each. 14% are couples with children, fewer than in 95% of areas nationally, against 37% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.2 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 64.5%, broken down into couples without children (37.3%), couples with children (14.3%), and single parent families (11.0%). Non-family living situations account for the remaining 35.5%, dominated by lone person households at 33.3% while group households make up 2.8%. The average household size stands at 2.1 people, tracking below the Regional Qld benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.4% of adults in Crows Nest (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 12.3% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 32.6% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 205 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 944 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary qualification levels in the locality are comparatively low, with 15.4% of residents holding a higher education degree compared to the Australian benchmark of 30.4%, highlighting a clear target for future training programs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common tertiary credential at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical pathways are heavily represented, with 45.1% of individuals aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, consisting of certificates (32.6%) and advanced diplomas (12.5%). Engagement with education is substantial, with 29.4% of the population participating in formal study.
This cohort comprises 12.7% attending primary schools, 9.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Crows Nest (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 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
An assessment of public transit shows 38 dedicated passenger stops across Crows Nest providing bus connectivity. A total of 1 separate routes service these stops, running 50 weekly passenger trips in aggregate. Local transit access is favorable, with residents living an average distance of 359 meters from the nearest stopping point. Given the residential profile, travel is heavily outbound, with private vehicles accounting for 89% of commutes and walking representing 9%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.2 per dwelling, below regional norms. Meanwhile, 10.8% of workers performed their duties from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect prevailing COVID-19 conditions.
Transit services operate at an overall rate of 7 trips per day across the network, which equates to roughly 1 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
52.5% of residents in Crows Nest (Qld) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 89% of areas nationally. 7.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 45.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators compiled by AreaSearch regarding chronic illnesses and mortality point to notable local challenges, with common medical conditions prevalent across both older and younger age brackets. Private health insurance uptake is notably low, covering roughly 46% of the population (~1,082 people), compared with 52.5% across Regional Qld and a nationwide rate of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues form the most widespread health conditions in the community, diagnosed in 14.4% and 10.4% of individuals, respectively. In contrast to the 67.6% reported throughout Regional Qld, 52.5% of local residents reported having no long-term medical conditions.
Chronic ailments are notably prevalent among the working-age cohort. Furthermore, individuals aged 65 and over make up 40.4% of the population (952 people), more than double the 20.3% share observed across Regional Qld, and health metrics for local seniors rank higher on national comparative scales than those for the wider community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Crows Nest (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 88.1% of residents, with 2.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.0%) and Australian (29.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Crows Nest track below nationwide norms, with Australian-born residents accounting for 88.1% of the population, Australian citizens making up 83.2%, and 97.6% speaking only English in domestic settings. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, encompassing 62.2% of residents compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at parental lineage, the primary ancestries reported across Crows Nest are English (34.0%), Australian (29.2%), and German (9.4%). Notable comparative variations exist among other backgrounds, with French background representing 0.6% locally (compared to 0.5% regionally), Dutch ancestry making up 1.5% (against 1.1%), and Russian heritage accounting for 0.3% (against 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Crows Nest (Qld) is 57, older than 98% of areas nationally. 16.6% 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
Demographically, the suburb of Crows Nest (Qld) has a distinctly mature population. Seniors and retirees aged 65+ comprise 40.4% of the community as at August 2026, compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld, while young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) represent only 15.4% against 25.5% across the wider region. The estimated median age stands at 57 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 16 years above the Regional Qld median of 41 at that Census, as well as exceeding the national median of 38 at that Census.
Since the Census, the proportion of seniors and retirees has expanded from 38.6% to an estimated 40.4%. Moving toward 2041, the largest population increase is projected within the retiree and senior cohorts, growing by 194 residents (20%) to reach 1,147, while numbers across children, young adults, middle-aged individuals, and younger retirees are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Crows Nest (Qld)
8 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 8 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. | ||
| 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 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 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 Jul 2025. | ||
| 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 — 25 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,212 at the 2021 Census → 2,358 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 (SAL30759). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.