Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Middle Ridge has an estimated 8,113 residents, up from 7,595 at the 2021 Census — a change of 518 people, or 6.8%. Growth has averaged 1.4% a year over five years. 117 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 76.0% of that increase. That puts 935 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
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS population releases alongside 117 validated new addresses identified since the Census date, the suburb of Middle Ridge has reached an estimated population of approximately 8,113 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 518 people (6.8%) compared to the 2021 Census baseline of 7,595 people, with the updated resident count derived from the ABS ERP release of June 2025. With a resulting density of 934 persons per square kilometer, the locality closely tracks broader averages across benchmarks monitored by AreaSearch. Furthermore, the 6.8% expansion recorded since the census sits within 2.5 percentage points of the wider SA3 area (9.3%), indicating solid growth fundamentals underpinned mostly by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 76.0% of recent population additions.
SA2-level projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia (published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year) form the foundation of demographic modeling, supplemented by Queensland State Government SA2 figures (released in 2023 from 2021 data) for post-2032 horizons or uncovered regions. Because state datasets omit age-specific breakdowns, AreaSearch applies age-cohort distribution weightings derived from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 on 2022 data). Looking ahead, population growth in the suburb of Middle Ridge is projected to track slightly under the non-capital city median, expanding by 571 persons to 2041 across aggregated SA2 estimates, which denotes an overall 7.0% gain over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
227 new dwellings have been approved in Middle Ridge over the past five years, an average of 45 a year. That places the area in the 51st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 6 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 34 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 47% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 20, 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
ABS building approval statistics analyzed by AreaSearch across statistical boundaries indicate that Middle Ridge generated roughly 45 residential approvals per year, summing to approximately 227 homes across the prior 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 20 approvals have been lodged. Over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, an average of 3.3 new residents arrived for each dwelling completed, creating a supply shortfall that typically fuels buyer competition and price growth. Construction costs for new residences have averaged $626,000, aligning with regional standards, while $2.6 million in commercial approvals logged this financial year highlights the district's predominantly residential character.
Per capita dwelling approval volumes in Middle Ridge represent roughly three-quarters of the Rest of Qld rate and sit in the 34th percentile nationwide, constraining purchaser options while heightening demand across established stock. Recent building permits consist of 47.0% detached houses alongside 53.0% medium and high-density housing types. This emphasis on higher-density builds provides more accessible price points for downsizers, entry-level buyers, and investors, marking a notable shift from the existing profile of 93.0% houses as land availability tightens and housing preferences evolve. A ratio of 439 people per approved dwelling underscores the modest pace of local development activity. Long-term forecasts indicate Middle Ridge will expand by 571 residents by 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Provided building activity continues at current rates, incoming residential supply appears well placed to satisfy demographic requirements, fostering favorable buyer conditions and potentially facilitating growth exceeding current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Middle Ridge
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects inside Middle Ridge, worth an estimated $82 million. A further 54 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.25 billion. 10 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and communities. 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
Community growth and property performance remain closely linked to transport, planning, and capital works initiatives, with AreaSearch identifying 13 local projects expected to influence the district. Prominent developments include Gabbinbar Retirement Village, 306 Ramsay Street Residential Development, Kearney West Estate, and Gainsborough Lodge.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gainsborough Lodge
A residential subdivision by Wagner Corporation featuring approximately 470 lots in Glenvale. Part of the expanding residential development in the Toowoomba region to accommodate growing population.
306 Ramsay Street Residential Development
Council-owned former nursery (2.05 ha) being divested via a two-stage EOI and tender led by Ray White Special Projects. Site is zoned Low-Medium Residential with achievable yields of 40-60 dwellings/ha; Council requires a minimum of 46 dwellings. Adjoins parkland with two street access points.
Gabbinbar Retirement Village
Retirement village featuring 52 independent living units and 46 townhouses, up to 2 storeys, adjacent to Gabbinbar Homestead.
Kearney West Estate
A master-planned residential estate comprising 350 lots across 8 stages in Kearneys Spring, Toowoomba. Stages 1-4 are fully sold with civil construction complete. Stage 5 (34 lots, 540-977m2) is approved but on hold pending Ergon Energy lowering high-voltage underground cables to allow construction of a new roundabout at West Street, Handley Street and Cadel Evans Drive. Remaining stages 6-8 are yet to be released. All lots feature levelled building pads, reticulated sewerage, underground power, NBN connectivity, landscaped detention basins, and pedestrian links to Carly Hibberd Park.
Dallang Road Residential Subdivision
42-lot residential subdivision delivered on a former 10 acre greenfield site bordering Menzies Street parkland in Middle Ridge, Toowoomba. Works included road upgrades and park embellishments. Project commenced March 2022 and reached completion January 2023, with lots sold out prior to completion.
542-558 Hume Street Residential Development
8.55ha landholding with 625m of dual street frontage to Hume Street and Pillar Street, zoned Low-Medium Density Residential and permitting up to 342 dwellings across a range of typologies including house and land, townhouses, and land lease community. The site sold on 13 June 2025 for 23.7 million dollars, achieving 277 dollars per square metre and setting a new suburb record as the largest development site transaction in Toowoomba since 2007. The Expressions of Interest campaign generated 19 competitive bids with a combined value of 338 million dollars.The site was acquired by a private developer whose identity has not been publicly disclosed. No development application has yet been lodged.
Retirement Village (86 Units) - Single Storey
86-unit single-storey retirement village providing aged care accommodation and community facilities for seniors in the Toowoomba region.
Ladbroke Grove Estate
Exclusive acreage estate offering 12 large lots ranging from 4,039sqm to 4,558sqm (approximately 1 acre each) for residential development in the serene outskirts of Darling Heights. Located just 10 minutes from the Toowoomba CBD, this estate combines tranquil countryside living with modern convenience. Each expansive lot provides the perfect canvas for crafting bespoke residences with space for gardens, outdoor entertaining, and pools. The estate is thoughtfully designed to offer a tranquil escape while maintaining easy access to schools, shops, and major employment hubs.
4,016 residents of Middle Ridge are employed, from a labour force of 4,077. Unemployment sits at 1.5%, with participation at 61.7%. 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. The working-day population is estimated at 6,739, 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
Workforce metrics compiled by AreaSearch reveal a qualified local labour pool with strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 1.5%. There were 4,016 residents employed as of March 2026, while local unemployment sits 2.4% under the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, alongside a participation rate of 61.7% compared to 64.2% across Regional Qld. Census data recorded 10.4% working from home, though this figure was subject to Covid-19 lockdown influences. The primary employment fields for local workers are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.
The community shows an outsized concentration in health care & social assistance, capturing an employment share 1.4 times that of the region. Conversely, construction represents only 6.5% of jobs against 10.1% regionally, while Census comparisons between resident workers and local jobs suggest modest commercial and employment capacity within the suburb boundaries. Analysis of ABS and SALM figures over the past 12-month period shows a 6.8% contraction in the local labour force alongside a 7.3% drop in employment, pushing the unemployment rate up by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labour pool expand by 0.3%, lifting unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Looking forward, Jobs and Skills Australia's national projections from Mar-26 indicate employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Mapping these sectoral forecasts against the local industry profile suggests Middle Ridge employment could rise by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on illustrative industry weighting without incorporating specific local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Middle Ridge is $2,177 a week (about $113,000 a year), with median personal income at $907 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $63,164 a year against an average of $77,612. 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
ATO postcode records for financial year 2023 show Middle Ridge residents generating incomes well above national benchmarks, with a median of $63,164 and an average of $77,612, outperforming Regional Qld averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Accounting for an 11.36% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, modeled figures reach roughly $70,339 for median earnings and $86,429 for average earnings as of March 2026. At the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal earnings aligned around the 72nd percentile across Australia. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for 32.8% of workers (2,661 individuals), matching the regional proportion of 31.7%, while 32.7% earn above $3,000 weekly.
Residents retain 88.9% of their earnings after housing expenses, placing the area in the 7th decile for SEIFA income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Middle Ridge had 2,600 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 4% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $420 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month. Rent absorbs 19.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential property across Middle Ridge at the recent Census consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached units, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings throughout Regional Qld. Outright home ownership stood at 44.9%, substantially exceeding regional levels, while 34.7% of homes were mortgaged and 20.4% were rented. Typical monthly mortgage payments were $1,950 compared to $1,655 in Regional Qld, and weekly rent was $420 compared to $345 regionally. On a national scale, Middle Ridge costs also surpass Australian benchmarks of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Middle Ridge counted 2,600 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 2,777 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 38% are couples with children, against 35% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units account for 81.1% of local households, consisting of couples with children (37.5%), couples without children (35.0%), and single parent households (7.6%). The remaining 18.9% are non-family arrangements, with single-person residences representing 17.4% and group homes making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, exceeding the Regional Qld figure of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
34.4% of adults in Middle Ridge hold a university qualification, including 22.2% with a bachelor degree and 8.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 19.2% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 703 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,049 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 rates in Middle Ridge exceed regional benchmarks, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 23.1% across the wider SA3 area. Qualifications are led by bachelor degrees at 22.2%, postgraduate credentials at 8.8%, and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational education is also widespread, with 29.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade qualifications, comprising certificates (19.2%) and advanced diplomas (10.5%). Student participation is substantial across the suburb, with 29.9% of the population attending an educational institution. This consists of 10.9% enrolled in primary schools, 9.8% attending secondary schools, and 4.6% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Middle Ridge reaches 21 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 130 services a week. The typical home sits about 460 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.7 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
Local transit infrastructure features 21 active transport stops serviced by 2 bus routes across Middle Ridge, generating 132 weekly passenger trips. Stop accessibility is moderate, with an average distance of 460 meters to the nearest transit facility. With limited local employment, outward commuting dominates, with private vehicles accounting for 96% of trips and dwelling vehicle ownership averaging 1.7. Remote work stood at 10.4% at the 2021 Census during COVID-19 conditions. Transit schedules across all routes average 18 trips per day, which provides approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.9% of residents in Middle Ridge report no long-term health condition. 8.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.7 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 in Middle Ridge compare favorably against broader averages based on mortality and chronic condition assessments by AreaSearch, showing low condition rates among younger groups alongside higher prevalence across older demographics. Private health insurance uptake is elevated, encompassing approximately 58% of the populace (~4,701 people) compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 9.2 and 7.3% of the community respectively, while 67.9% of residents report no chronic illnesses, closely matching the 67.6% recorded across Regional Qld. Health metrics are especially positive among those under 65.
The proportion of residents aged 65 and over sits at 23.7% (1,922 people), surpassing Regional Qld's 20.3%, with senior health metrics presenting greater management requirements despite scoring below national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Middle Ridge is largely Australian-born, at 79.4% of residents, with 15.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.8%) and Australian (24.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural measures show higher diversity than typical regional areas, with 20.6% of residents born abroad and 15.5% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, claimed by 66.1% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The primary reported ancestries across Middle Ridge are English (27.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (9.7%). Other cultural heritages also show distinct concentrations, with German ancestry accounting for 7.9% of residents compared to 4.7% regionally, Scottish at 8.7% versus 7.8%, and South Australian at 0.7% versus 0.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Middle Ridge is 43. 19.6% 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
Demographic age distributions in Middle Ridge align relatively closely with Regional Qld, showing a maximum divergence of 4.4 percentage points across major age brackets. The estimated median age sits at 43 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure while remaining above the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national median of 38 from the same Census. Since that time, residents aged 45 - 64 have decreased from 25.7% to an estimated 23.7%. Long-term projections indicate the 65+ cohort will see the largest growth to 2041, increasing by 447 (23%) to reach 2,370 persons, while younger cohorts are forecast to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Middle Ridge
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) | Aug 2026 last month 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 last month 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 last month headline measures · Jun 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 last 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 2026 last month all 5 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 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 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 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago 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 — 117 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (7,595 at the 2021 Census → 8,113 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 (SAL31823). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.