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 per ABS population updates for the broader area and validated new addresses by AreaSearch, the suburb of Toogoom's estimated population was around 2,815 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 219 people (8.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,596. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,768 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 295 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Toogoom exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outperforming the 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 using 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 adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected for Toogoom, with an anticipated rise of 331 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.2% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Toogoom recorded around 16 residential properties approved each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 81 homes were approved, with another 16 so far in FY-26. On average, 4.4 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed over these years.

This indicates demand exceeds supply, potentially leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes is $401,000. In FY-26, there have been $58,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Toogoom has comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium. However, recent activity has intensified. New developments consist of 84.0% standalone homes and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density character. There are approximately 109 people per dwelling approval in Toogoom. By 2041, the population is expected to grow by 373 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

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 projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Forest Wind Farm, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Toogoom recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Toogoom's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.9% in September 2025, having grown by an estimated 9.7% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of that date, 1,117 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was significantly lower at 50.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data showed that only 10.4% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. 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.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.4% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, with a lower Census working population compared to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 9.7%, while labour force grew by 9.6%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 5.9%. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise to 4.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Toogoom. National employment is projected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Toogoom's employment mix, local employment is estimated to grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Toogoom suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $42,172 and an average of $52,545. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,351 (median) and $57,752 (average). According to Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Toogoom fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of residents (872 people) earn within the $800 - $1,499 bracket, unlike regional trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toogoom stood at 47.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,415, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Toogoom was recorded at $345, matching the Non-Metro Qld figure. Nationally, Toogoom's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 74.3% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 the Australian 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (32.8%).

A significant 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, 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

Transport analysis shows 16 active public transport stops in Toogoom, served by buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 339 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, predominantly using cars (97%). On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 10.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,352 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.0 and 9.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 57.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Toogoom has 32.7% of residents aged 65 and over (920 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of 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 had a cultural diversity below average, with 83.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.7% being citizens, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 49.0% of Toogoom's population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (35.7%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (8.4%).

Notably, German was overrepresented at 5.1%, Dutch at 1.6%, and New Zealand at 0.8%.

Toogoom ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Toogoom has a median age of 52, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and above the national average of 38. The population aged 65-74 stands at 20.6%, exceeding the Rest of Qld percentage but lower for those aged 25-34 at 7.6%. Nationally, the 65-74 age group constitutes 9.5%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 8.5% to 10.3%, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 7.2% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 group decreased from 12.2% to 10.2%, and the 55 to 64 age group fell from 16.8% to 15.7%. By 2041, Toogoom's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 95 people (33%), reaching 385 from the current 289. Notably, those aged 65 and above are anticipated to account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting Toogoom's aging demographic trend. Conversely, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are forecasted to decline.