East Toowoomba

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of East Toowoomba is around 6,092. This reflects an increase of 139 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,953. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,485 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking forward, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with East Toowoomba expected to grow by 259 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 4.3% over the 17 years.

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

East Toowoomba recorded around 18 residential properties granted approval each year from FY-20 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 90 homes over these six financial years, with 1 approval recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 3.4 new residents were associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. Commercial development approvals reached $25.9 million in FY-26.

East Toowoomba had approximately half the construction activity per person compared to the rest of Queensland during this period. Nationally, it ranked at the 43rd percentile for areas assessed. Recent construction comprised 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% townhouses or apartments. The area has an estimated 379 people per dwelling approval.

East Toowoomba is projected to grow by 265 residents by 2041, with current development patterns suggesting new housing supply will meet demand.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects expected to influence the area. Notable projects include Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails at Jubilee Park, Fairleigh Residences, YWCA East Toowoomba Social and Affordable Housing, and AusRocks Brookview Quarry. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis reveals East Toowoomba significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

East Toowoomba has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 14.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 3,279 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 61.7%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. East Toowoomba specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but construction has a limited presence at 7.0% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12-month period ending June 2025, East Toowoomba saw employment increase by 14.1% and labour force grow by 13.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8%, labour force expansion of 2.0%, and an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to East Toowoomba's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

East Toowoomba's median income among taxpayers was $58,359 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $71,708 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,523 (median) and $81,740 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 57th percentile ($838 weekly), while household income is at the 41st percentile. Income analysis shows that 28.4% of East Toowoomba's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

East Toowoomba displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

East Toowoomba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.3% houses and 33.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Toowoomba was 30.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 43.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $300, slightly below Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, East Toowoomba's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $300 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 59.6% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 40.4%, with lone person households at 37.2% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

East Toowoomba shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in East Toowoomba is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 35.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 23.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 30.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 10.8% and certificates make up 19.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.0% in secondary education, 9.2% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education. A total of 7 schools operate within East Toowoomba, educating approximately 3,941 students. The area's socio-educational conditions are above average, with an ICSEA score of 1097. Among these schools are 2 primary and 5 K-12 institutions. East Toowoomba functions as an education hub, offering 64.7 school places per 100 residents - significantly higher than the regional average of 17.2. This attracts students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

East Toowoomba has 23 active public transport stops. These are used by buses on three different routes that together make 196 weekly trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest stop is 421 meters.

On average, there are 28 trips per day across all routes, which means each stop has about 8 weekly trips.

East Toowoomba's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

East Toowoomba's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3,388 people), compared to 51.0% in Rest of Qld. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.0 and 7.9% of residents respectively. 69.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in Rest of Qld. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,047 people), lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

East Toowoomba's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 90.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in East Toowoomba, making up 57.2% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 2.5% of East Toowoomba's population, compared to 2.2% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.3%), Australian (25.6%), and Irish (11.1%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Scottish is overrepresented at 10.3% in East Toowoomba compared to 7.9% regionally, German at 5.9% versus 8.0%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

East Toowoomba's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

East Toowoomba's median age is 37, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and closely matches the Australian median of 38. The 15-24 cohort makes up 16.5% of East Toowoomba's population, higher than the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, those aged 75-84 constitute only 5.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 15.4% to 16.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in East Toowoomba's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 26%, adding 179 residents to reach a total of 874. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.