Mount Lofty

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mount Lofty 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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mount Lofty's population is estimated at around 3,939 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 114 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,825 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,939, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 406 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected for Mount Lofty, with an expected increase of 265 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Mount Lofty had approximately 9 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 48 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 3.9 people per year, indicating significant demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $1,138,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year, $6.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Mount Lofty has significantly reduced construction levels (56.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, this level is also lower, indicative of market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (78.0%) and attached dwellings (22.0%), preserving the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 435 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts suggest Mount Lofty will gain 254 residents by 2041, aligning with current development levels and maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable ones are Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails (Jubilee Park), AusRocks Brookview Quarry, YWCA East Toowoomba Social and Affordable Housing, Rifle Range Road Reconfiguration. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Mount Lofty rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mount Lofty has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 13.9% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In June 2025, 2,242 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.3 percentage points lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Mount Lofty was higher at 65.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area has a notable specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, retail trade is under-represented, with only 7.0% of Mount Lofty's workforce compared to 10.0% in Rest of Qld. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident, as at the Census, indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 13.9%, labour force grew by 13.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.8 percentage points in Mount Lofty. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. 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 Mount Lofty's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Mount Lofty had a median taxpayer income of $67,204 and an average income of $82,575 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Nationally, this is extremely high compared 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, current estimates would be approximately $76,606 (median) and $94,127 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Mount Lofty cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The data indicates that 30.7% of the community (1,209 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Notably, 31.7% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 88.4% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Mount Lofty's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.1% houses and 10.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Lofty stood at 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Mount Lofty was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Mount Lofty's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mount Lofty has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.2% of all households, including 29.8% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households making up 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Mount Lofty fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational attainment in Mount Lofty is notably high, with 39.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 23.1% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas representing 9.7% and certificates 20.1%. Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.8% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education. Toowoomba State High School serves Mount Lofty, with an enrollment of 749 students as of the latest available data. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 922. Secondary education is dominant, with one school serving the area while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments.

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

Mount Lofty has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are three different bus routes serving these stops, together offering 148 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents on average being located 216 meters away from their nearest stop.

Each route runs an average of 21 trips per day, resulting in approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Mount Lofty faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 60% of its total population of 2,360 people have private health cover, compared to 51.0% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.6% and 8.2% of residents respectively. However, 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, with 20.9% (823 people) compared to 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Despite this, Mount Lofty performs better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Mount Lofty, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 84.9% born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 57.3%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.0% regionally.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (29.1%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (12.2%). Notably, German (7.4%) and Scottish (9.9%) groups were overrepresented, while South African was underrepresented at 0.8%.

Mount Lofty hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mount Lofty's median age is 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 13.5% of Mount Lofty's population, compared to the Rest of Qld's percentage. The 25-34 cohort makes up 11.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.3% to 13.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.2% and the 5-14 group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Mount Lofty's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 25%, adding 115 residents to reach a total of 568. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.