North Toowoomba

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of North Toowoomba is around 3,435. This reflects an increase of 103 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,332. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,415 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of nine new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,717 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb until 2041, expecting a total increase of 689 persons over the 17 years, reflecting a gain of 19.3%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in North Toowoomba according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, North Toowoomba has seen approximately 8 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 42 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 3.5 people move to the area each year for each dwelling built during this period.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $411,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. There have been $62,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, North Toowoomba records markedly lower building activity, at 55.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

This activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. At around 756 people per approval, North Toowoomba shows a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, North Toowoomba is expected to grow by 663 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

North Toowoomba 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 nine projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Toowoomba Regional Aquatic Centre, North Street Warehouse Development, The Willows at Harlaxton (previously known as Northgate Vista Estate), and Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails at Jubilee Park. The following list details 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.

The employment environment in North Toowoomba shows above-average strength when compared nationally

North Toowoomba has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% in June 2021, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

This rate is 0.4% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was at 59.1%, on par with the Rest of Qld figure. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, mining had lower representation at 1.2% versus the regional average of 3.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2022, employment increased by 14.9%, while labour force grew by 12.6%, resulting in a 1.9 percentage point decrease in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 offer insight into potential future demand within North Toowoomba. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to North Toowoomba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, North Toowoomba's median income among taxpayers is $50,001. The average income in North Toowoomba for the same period is $61,439. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median income is $50,780 with an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since June 2022, current estimates for North Toowoomba would be approximately $56,996 (median) and $70,034 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in North Toowoomba all fall between the 17th and 31st percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 28.7% of the population (985 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in North Toowoomba, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

North Toowoomba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

North Toowoomba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.6% houses and 20.4% 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 North Toowoomba stood at 23.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 44.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $285, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, North Toowoomba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,408 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

North Toowoomba features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.9% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

North Toowoomba shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

North Toowoomba's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 24.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. The gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 25.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

North Toowoomba has 24 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three distinct routes that together facilitate 220 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is deemed excellent, with residents residing on average 168 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 31 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in North Toowoomba is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

North Toowoomba faces substantial health challenges with a considerably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average SA2 areas, particularly among older age cohorts.

As of approximately mid-2016, around 52% (~1,770 people) had private health cover, slightly lower than the average for such areas. The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues (11.6%) and arthritis (8.9%), with 63.7% of residents reporting no medical ailments compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (594 people), lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld, but health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, North Toowoomba records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Toowoomba's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, with 82.8% being citizens, 81.2% born in Australia, and 88.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 49.9%. The notable overrepresentation is seen in Other religions, comprising 6.5%, compared to 2.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (28.4%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (9.9%). There are variations in ethnic group representations: German at 6.7% (vs regional 8.0%), Scottish at 8.4% (vs 7.9%), and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

North Toowoomba's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

North Toowoomba has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in North Toowoomba at 17.7%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.7% to 9.4%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that North Toowoomba's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 247 people (41%), from 607 to 855, while the 15 to 24 group is expected to contract by 11 residents.