Middle Ridge

Population growth drivers in Middle Ridge are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Middle Ridge, as estimated by AreaSearch based on analysis of ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 8,209 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 614 people (8.1%) from the previous population count of 7,595 in the 2021 Census. The estimated resident population of 8,120, as calculated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date, reflects this growth. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 945 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.1% growth since the census places it within 0.7 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving this growth.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia estimates released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort when utilising them. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 728 persons to reach a total population of approximately 9,137 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of around 7.8% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Middle Ridge when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis indicates Middle Ridge had approximately 45 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 227 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26. Each dwelling built over the past five financial years attracted an average of 2.9 new residents.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $616,000. This year, Middle Ridge recorded $2.6 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Rest of Qld, Middle Ridge maintains similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium. However, building activity has slowed recently. New building activity consists of 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift from the area's existing 93.0% houses reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. The current development environment is quiet, with an estimated 437 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Middle Ridge will gain 639 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Middle Ridge 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 13 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Gabbinbar Retirement Village, 306 Ramsay Street Residential Development, Kearney West Estate, and The Ninth Middle Ridge. 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Middle Ridge places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Middle Ridge has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.0%, significantly lower than the Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 13.3%. As of June 2025, 4,316 residents are employed with a workforce participation rate of 61.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 6.5% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 13.3% and labour force grew by 13.0%, resulting in a unemployment rate drop of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Middle Ridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch released postcode-level ATO data for Middle Ridge in financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers was $63,164 with an average of $77,612. Nationally, these figures are very high compared to the Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $72,001 (median) and $88,470 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, Middle Ridge's incomes cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,692 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Notably, 32.7% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Middle Ridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Middle Ridge, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Middle Ridge was 44.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420. Nationally, Middle Ridge's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.1% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Middle Ridge exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Middle Ridge's educational attainment is notably high, with 34.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 23.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.7% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (19.2%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.9% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

Middle Ridge State School and OneSchool Global QLD - Toowoomba serve the area, collectively educating 703 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1049). The educational mix includes one primary and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 8.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The Middle Ridge public transport analysis indicates 19 operational stops within the area, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, offering a total of 132 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as moderate, with residents generally located 456 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 18 trips per day, equating to roughly 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Middle Ridge is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Middle Ridge faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (4,757 people), compared to 51.0% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 7.3% of residents respectively, while 67.9% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,920 people), which is higher than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Middle Ridge was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Middle Ridge's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 20.6% born overseas and 15.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Middle Ridge at 66.1%, compared to 58.8% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, German (7.9%) and South African (0.7%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 0.3%, respectively. Scottish representation was also higher at 8.7%.

Middle Ridge hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Middle Ridge's median age is 43 years, which is higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The percentage of residents aged 5-14 is 14.8%, higher than Rest of Qld, while those aged 25-34 make up 7.6% of the population. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group 35-44 has grown from 13.1% to 14.5%. Conversely, the age group 55-64 has declined from 12.8% to 11.4%. By 2041, Middle Ridge's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 34%, adding 225 residents to reach 882. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the age groups 55-64 and 5-14 years.