Meringandan West

Meringandan West lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Meringandan West is approximately 3,194 people. This figure reflects a growth of 706 individuals since the 2021 Census, representing an increase of 28.4%. The resident population estimate of 3,176 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 191 persons per square kilometer. Meringandan West's population growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59% to this overall population gain.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, Australia's non-metropolitan areas are projected to experience above-median population growth. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Meringandan West is expected to grow by 579 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Meringandan West among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Meringandan West recorded around 47 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 237 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average new home construction value was $469,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, $482,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Meringandan West records 229.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer confidence. New building activity shows 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 43 people per approval, Meringandan West reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain 159 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Meringandan West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, substantial projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC), Central Highfields Activation Project (Infrastructure), Toowoomba Day Surgery Theatre, and Clifford Park Special School - Relocation of Denise Kable Centre, with the following list providing details on those most likely to be 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 of employment trends sees Meringandan West performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Meringandan West has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 13.8% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In June 2025, 1,579 residents were in work, and the unemployment rate was 2.8% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was at 76.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Manufacturing has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 4.8% compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 13.8%, while labour force grew by 13.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Meringandan West. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Meringandan West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Meringandan West's median income among taxpayers was $60,308 and average income stood at $71,698 in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $68,745 (median) and $81,729 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Meringandan West rank between the 76th and 77th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 45.2% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, with 1,443 individuals in this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same income bracket. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income, while strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Meringandan West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census data shows that in Meringandan West, 99.6% of dwellings are houses, with the remaining 0.4% being semi-detached, apartments or other types. This is higher than Non-Metro Qld's house proportion of 81.4%. Home ownership in Meringandan West stands at 22.9%, compared to 77.1% of dwellings that are mortgaged and 9.9% that are rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,650, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Meringandan West is $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Meringandan West's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,650 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents are higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Meringandan West features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 88.0% of all households, including 51.3% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.0%, with lone person households at 11.7% and group households making up 0.8%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Meringandan West aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 48.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 36.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.5% in primary, 10.8% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education. Meringandan State School serves the area, enrolling 262 students, and offers typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1018) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 8.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Meringandan West's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis shows strong health performance in Meringandan West with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population. However, prevalence is higher than national averages among older and at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover rate is high, at approximately 56% (1,776 people), compared to 51.0% across Rest of Qld. Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 8.1% and 7.7% respectively. 73.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% in Rest of Qld. The area has 9.2% (293 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Meringandan West placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Meringandan West, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 91.7% born in Australia, 95.4% being citizens, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.6%, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 58.8%. Top ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (29.4%), and German (8.7%).

Notably, South African ancestry was overrepresented at 0.7% compared to 0.3% regionally, as were Welsh (0.6% vs 0.4%) and Dutch (1.4% vs 1.0%).

Meringandan West hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Meringandan West's median age is 32 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years. It is also substantially under the Australian median age of 38 years. Relative to Rest of Qld, Meringandan West has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (18.8%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.1%). This 5-14 concentration is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 20.8% to 18.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 11.2% to 9.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Meringandan West's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 19%, adding 92 residents to reach a total of 572. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.