Toogoom

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Toogoom is around 2,815, reflecting an increase of 219 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.4% increase from the previous population count of 2,596. The increase was inferred following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of 41 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 295 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Toogoom has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. These projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data, are applied for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected for Toogoom by 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 293 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 10.4% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Toogoom among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Toogoom recorded around 15 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 76 homes were approved, with a further 28 approved in FY26 so far. This results in an average of about 5 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually over these years.

The demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $401,000. There have been $58,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Toogoom has 14.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 83rd percentile nationally for development activity, which has picked up recently. Recent construction comprises 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with its emphasis on detached housing. The location has approximately 120 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Toogoom is expected to grow by 293 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, or planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, and Forest Wind Farm. The following list outlines those deemed most relevant.

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Employment performance in Toogoom has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Toogoom has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.5% with an estimated employment growth of 7.0% over the past year.

As of December 2025, there are 1,031 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 6.5%. Workforce participation in Toogoom lags behind Regional Qld's at 45.5% compared to 64.5%. Only 10.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Notably, health care & social assistance employment is at 1.5 times the regional average while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.4% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 7.0%, labour force grew by 6.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Toogoom's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Toogoom had a median taxpayer income of $42,172 and an average of $52,545. Both figures are below the national averages. Comparatively, Regional Queensland's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Toogoom as of March 2026 would be approximately $46,963 (median) and $58,514 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Toogoom fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The largest segment of residents earns $800 - $1,499 weekly, comprising 31.0% (872 individuals), unlike regional trends where 31.7% earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Toogoom, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Toogoom's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.1% houses and 1.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toogoom was 47.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,415, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Toogoom was $345, matching Regional Qld's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Toogoom's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,415 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 74.3% of all households, consisting of 21.0% couples with children, 42.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 32.8%. A total of 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.6% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

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

Toogoom has 16 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route that provides 12 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 339 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward using cars as the dominant mode at 97%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 10.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Toogoom faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among younger and older age cohorts, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,352 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 13.0% of residents) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 57.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 33.5% of residents aged 65 and over (943 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Toogoom is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Toogoom's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.1% of its population born in Australia and 90.7% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 96.8% of the population. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.0% of Toogoom's population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.7%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (8.4%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Dutch ancestry was also higher than average, at 1.6% versus 1.1%, while New Zealand ancestry was slightly lower at 0.8% compared to the regional 0.9%.

Toogoom ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Toogoom has a median age of 52, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 20.6% of Toogoom's population, compared to Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort represents 7.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 8.5% to 10.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.2% to 8.3%. However, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 12.2% to 10.3%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.8% to 15.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Toogoom's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 83 people (27%), from 306 to 390. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting Toogoom's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.