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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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East Toowoomba has an estimated 6,110 residents, up from 5,953 at the 2021 Census — a change of 157 people, or 2.6%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years, slower than 75% of areas nationally. That puts 1,490 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
Based on demographic assessments of ABS regional updates and fresh home addresses confirmed by AreaSearch post-Census, the population of East Toowoomba is calculated to be approximately 6,110 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 157 residents, or 2.6%, relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 5,953 citizens. The adjustment is derived from the resident count of 6,102 estimated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS ERP publication, alongside 10 newly verified residential addresses since the Census date. This population level yields a density of 1,490 individuals per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure for national spots monitored by AreaSearch.
Inward overseas migration drove the growth, accounting for roughly 76.0% of the net gains in recent times. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For localities lacking these details, or for periods extending beyond 2032, calculations apply the 2023 Queensland Government projections based on 2021 records. Since state-level figures omit age-specific details, AreaSearch implements age-cohort growth weightings based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 baseline data). Looking forward, growth is expected to align with the lower quartile of non-metropolitan areas, with the locality projected to increase by 238 citizens by 2041, representing a total gain of 3.8% over the 16-year duration.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
91 new dwellings have been approved in East Toowoomba over the past five years, an average of 18 a year. That is 3.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 6, well below 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
According to AreaSearch analysis of localized building approvals, East Toowoomba has averaged approximately 18 new residential permits annually, summing to an estimated 91 homes over the previous 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 6 approvals have been logged. With an average occupancy of 2.4 residents per dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, which supports local real estate values, new construction averages a cost of $1,138,000, signaling a development focus on upper-tier residential options. Furthermore, commercial building approvals total $4.0 million so far this financial year, reflecting a quiet period for business development projects.
East Toowoomba registers roughly half the per capita construction volume of the Rest of Qld, ranking in the 48th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide, which restricts options for purchasers and reinforces demand for existing properties. This activity sits below the national benchmark, highlighting the established footprint of the suburb and suggesting potential regulatory controls on planning. Recent builds consist of 64.0% separate houses and 36.0% semi-detached options or multi-dwelling units, with the expanding share of townhouses and apartments offering diverse choices from family residences to smaller, budget-friendly options. There are approximately 348 residents for every approved dwelling, highlighting the mature state of the local market. Projections indicate that East Toowoomba will add 230 residents by 2041, calculated from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly datasets. Based on current trends in construction, supply looks set to satisfy future needs, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population expansion beyond current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around East Toowoomba
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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 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside East Toowoomba. A further 59 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.68 billion. 12 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and communities, precincts & urban renewal. 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 infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and development updates have a major impact on area performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 active projects that are likely to influence the locality. The key projects include the Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails in Jubilee Park, the Fairleigh Residences, the YWCA East Toowoomba Social and Affordable Housing project, and the AusRocks Brookview Quarry.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
YWCA East Toowoomba Social and Affordable Housing
A 16-unit social and affordable housing project aimed at providing dwellings in East Toowoomba, Queensland. Plans were lodged with the Queensland government for approval in May 2025.
Fairleigh Residences
A luxury boutique development featuring 18 executive residences spanning six levels, including a private roof terrace with pool, gym, yoga room, and entertainment area, offering sweeping views of Mothers Memorial and Queens Park in a tranquil setting.
Fairleigh Residences (The Kitchener)
Boutique luxury apartment development by FKG Group, constructed by wholly-owned subsidiary GFG Projects, featuring 18 exquisitely designed residences across 6 levels. The development offers sweeping views of the Mothers Memorial and Queens Park, with amenities including a private roof terrace, pool, gym, yoga room and entertainment area. Features 2-4 bedroom apartments with generous balconies and media rooms. Prices start from $1.75 million. Only 5 residences remaining as of mid-2025.
Toowoomba City Centre Master Plan & Railway Parklands PDA
Ongoing city centre renewal guided by the Toowoomba City Centre Master Plan to 2031. It includes the 50-hectare Toowoomba Railway Parklands Priority Development Area (PDA), designed as a mixed-density urban village across six precincts. The project focuses on heritage preservation, public realm upgrades, active transport links, and a 50 million AUD investment in the Railway Parklands, featuring the restored Goods Shed.
Grants for Growth - Toowoomba Region Housing Infrastructure Program
Toowoomba Regional Council's multi-year housing infrastructure program, developed in response to the Queensland LNP government's $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (RAF). The program targets trunk infrastructure - water supply, sewerage, stormwater and roads - needed to unlock land for tens of thousands of new dwellings across the region. Approved projects include the $20.1 million Central Highfields Activation Project (construction underway March 2026), covering intersection upgrades on Highfields Road and trunk utility relocation. A further $150 million submission for the Southern Water Treatment Plant (est.$90 million) at Drayton was lodged with the RAF Round 2 in April 2026, which would supply water for more than 50,000 new residents across southern Toowoomba, Westbrook, Wyreema and surrounding areas. Additional sub-projects include the Mount Peel Reservoir ($15 million) and South Toowoomba sewerage upgrades ($14.9 million).
Toowoomba Art Museum (proposed)
Council-led proposal to deliver a landmark art museum and cultural precinct in the Toowoomba CBD to replace or upgrade the existing Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. A business case being developed by SMA Tourism is testing site options, costs, and governance models to attract touring exhibitions and better house the City collection.
AusRocks Brookview Quarry
A $15 million quarry development by AusRocks Pty Ltd in East Toowoomba. This project will provide essential construction materials and aggregate supply to support the region's growing infrastructure and development needs.
Mission Australia Toowoomba Social and Affordable Housing
A $150 million development delivering 185 social and affordable housing units across four apartment buildings of five to six storeys in Newtown, Toowoomba. Comprising 89 social housing dwellings and 96 affordable housing dwellings, the project is led by Mission Australia Housing with financing from Palisade Investment Partners and support from the Queensland Government under its Securing Our Foundations Housing Plan. Construction commenced April 2025 with completion expected mid-2027.
2,993 residents of East Toowoomba are employed, from a labour force of 3,093. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, with participation at 63.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A highly qualified labor force characterizes East Toowoomba, showing strong representation in key service industries and a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, according to aggregated regional statistics. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,993, while the jobless rate was 0.6% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%. Participation in the workforce matched the Regional Qld average of 64.3%. Census data indicates that only 11.4% of the working population operated from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions. The primary sources of jobs for local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.
The suburb exhibits a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, employing residents at 1.4 times the regional average rate. Conversely, building trades account for only 7.0% of local workers, which is below the Regional Qld proportion of 10.1%. A comparison of the Census working population against local resident counts suggests a significant portion of the workforce travels outside the suburb for employment. According to an analysis conducted by AreaSearch using SALM and ABS data aggregated from larger statistical regions, the twelve-month period experienced a decline in the labour force of 6.9% alongside a drop in employment of 7.7%, which led to an increase in the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, the Regional Qld area showed employment growth of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with unemployment rising by 0.1 percentage points. Insights regarding potential future demand in East Toowoomba can be gained from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts released for May-25. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been aligned with the local employment profile to estimate future growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion varies considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to East Toowoomba's current employment composition, local employment is estimated to rise by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though it is important to note that this simple weighting extrapolation serves illustrative purposes only and does not incorporate localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in East Toowoomba is $1,591 a week (about $83,000 a year), with median personal income at $838 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $58,359 a year against an average of $71,708. 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
Based on aggregated ATO postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of East Toowoomba recorded a median income of $58,359 and an average of $71,708. These figures exceed the respective Regional Qld markers of $53,146 and $66,593, as well as national averages. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $64,989 for the median and $79,854 for the average. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly incomes in the 57th percentile ($838 weekly) and household incomes in the 41st percentile.
The weekly household income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 28.4% of residents (1,735 people), which compares to 31.7% for the wider region. After housing outlays, 85.3% of earnings are retained for other uses, placing the suburb in the 6th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
East Toowoomba had 2,277 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 66% detached houses and 8% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 43% rented and 31% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 18.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, housing types in East Toowoomba consisted of 66.3% separate houses and 33.6% other options including townhouses and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% alternative structures across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb trailed the regional average slightly at 30.6%, with the remaining properties occupied under a mortgage (26.1%) or rented (43.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,733, exceeding the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while weekly median rent was $300, below the regional figure of $345. On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb are below the Australian median of $1,863, and rent costs sit well under the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
East Toowoomba counted 2,277 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 37% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 59.6% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 24.6%, couples without children at 23.7%, and single parent households at 10.4%. Single-person households account for 37.2% and group houses represent 3.3%, making up the remaining 40.4% of non-family households. The median household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
35.6% of adults in East Toowoomba hold a university qualification, including 22.5% with a bachelor degree and 9.3% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 87% of areas nationally. A further 19.8% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 3,941 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,097 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
Rates of qualification in East Toowoomba are considerably higher than broader regional averages, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Qld and 23.1% in the local SA3. This educational profile positions the suburb well for professional opportunities. Bachelor-level degrees represent 22.5% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational education is also common, with 30.6% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 19.8%. A high proportion of the population participates in education, with 36.8% of residents enrolled in study.
This group is comprised of 16.0% in high schools, 9.2% in primary schools, and 5.6% in higher education institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in East Toowoomba reaches 22 stops on 3 routes, timetabled for about 200 services a week. The typical home sits about 420 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
There are 22 public transport stops within East Toowoomba, operating bus services across 3 routes that provide 196 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 420 meters, representing moderate accessibility. Commuting is predominantly outbound, with private cars accounting for 87% of trips and walking representing 9%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that 11.4% of residents worked from home, potentially reflecting pandemic conditions. Public transport services average 28 trips daily across all routes, representing approximately 8 weekly trips at each stop location.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.7% of residents in East Toowoomba report no long-term health condition. 4.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 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 are generally positive for the local population. Mortality rates and chronic conditions are in line with national averages across all age categories, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high at approximately 56% (~3,398 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common diagnoses, affecting 9.0% and 7.9% of the population respectively, while 69.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and older represent 18.0% of the population (1,099 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld proportion of 20.4%.
Seniors in the area enjoy above-average health outcomes, with overall rankings matching the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
East Toowoomba is largely Australian-born, at 84.2% of residents, with 9.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (29.3%) and Australian (25.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The population of East Toowoomba shows lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens accounting for 88.3%, Australian-born residents at 84.2%, and monolingual English speakers at 90.4%. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 57.2% of residents. The most significant statistical variation is in the Other category, which represents 2.5% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld. English ancestry is claimed by 29.3% of the population, followed by Australian at 25.6%, and Irish at 11.1%. Notable variations in other backgrounds include Scottish ancestry at 10.3% of the population (compared to 7.8% regionally), German at 5.9% (compared to 4.7%), and Welsh at 0.6% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of East Toowoomba is 37. 26.9% 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 37 years in East Toowoomba is lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and close to the national median of 38. The suburb has a high proportion of children aged 5 - 14 years at 15.4%, while residents aged 75 - 84 years are underrepresented at 5.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket has expanded from 10.9% to 11.6% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.2% to 11.6%. Projections to 2041 suggest a shifting age profile, with the 25 to 34 bracket expected to grow by 21%, adding 148 residents to reach 857, while the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 brackets are projected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for East Toowoomba
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2025 about a year 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 Aug 2025. | ||
| 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 — 10 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,953 at the 2021 Census → 6,110 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 (SAL30933). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.