North Toowoomba

Population growth drivers in North Toowoomba are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

North Toowoomba's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 3,388 people. This figure reflects an increase of 56 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,332 people in the area. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,366 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,694 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth of regional areas across the nation. The North Toowoomba statistical area is projected to expand by 692 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 21.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, North Toowoomba has seen approximately 7 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 39 homes. As of FY26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.7 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $411,000.

This financial year has seen $2.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, North Toowoomba records notably lower building activity, 58.0% below the regional per capita average. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (80.0%). North Toowoomba indicates a mature market, with around 400 people per approval.

By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 713 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include the Toowoomba Regional Aquatic Centre, North Street Warehouse Development, The Willows at Harlaxton (formerly known as Northgate Vista Estate), and the Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails at Jubilee Park. Below is a list of 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.

Employment conditions in North Toowoomba remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

North Toowoomba has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1% over the past year.

There were 1,758 residents employed as of September 2025, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of Qld's 4.1%, and workforce participation at 59.1%. Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration, being 1.3 times the regional average, while mining shows lower representation at 1.2% versus the regional average of 3.6%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1%, labour force grew by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Toowoomba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that North Toowoomba had a median income among taxpayers of $50,001 and an average of $61,439. This is below the national average. The Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for North Toowoomba would be approximately $54,956 (median) and $67,528 (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 North Toowoomba's population (972 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, 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, ranking at the 15th percentile.

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. Weekly rent in North Toowoomba was recorded at $285, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 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%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 25.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.1% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

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

North Toowoomba has 21 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 220 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 165 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 31 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 10 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 the average.

Among older age cohorts, these challenges are even more pronounced. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,746 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.6% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (589 people), which is lower than the 18.8% in Rest of Qld. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to these challenges.

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 its broader region, with 82.8% citizens, 81.2% born in Australia, and 88.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 49.9%. Notably, 'Other' religions are overrepresented at 6.5%, compared to 2.2% regionally.

Top ancestry groups include English (28.4%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (9.9%). German ancestry is slightly higher than regional averages (6.7% vs 8.0%), as are Scottish (8.4% vs 7.9%) and New Zealand (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 Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in North Toowoomba at 17.7%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group grew from 12.5% to 14.2%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 11.7% to 9.4%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that North Toowoomba's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 256 people (43%) from 599 to 856, while the 15-24 group is expected to contract by 4 residents.