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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Toogoom statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,803. This figure reflects an increase of 207 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,596. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,768 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 294 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, the Toogoom (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing its SA3 area. The population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to increase by 338 persons to reach a total population of approximately 3,141 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 13.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Toogoom recorded around 16 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 81 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 4.4 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over these years.

Given this demand significantly exceeds new supply, it typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value for new homes is $401,000. In terms of commercial approvals, there have been $58,000 in FY-26, indicating a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Toogoom exhibits comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas despite recent intensification. New development consists of 84.0% standalone homes and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low density character appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 109 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Looking ahead, Toogoom is projected to grow by 388 residents through to 2041, as estimated in AreaSearch's latest quarterly report. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population 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 modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to 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 stood at 6.0% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 9.7% during this period, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, Toogoom had 1,123 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is 2.0% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 43.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction are the primary employment sectors for Toogoom residents.

Health care & social assistance shows a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.4% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Toogoom appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the discrepancy between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Toogoom increased by 9.7%, while labour force grew by 9.8%, causing a slight rise in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Toogoom. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Toogoom's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in Toogoom suburb is $42,172. The average income for this period was $52,545. Nationally, these figures are lower than average. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median income was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Toogoom as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,351 and $57,752 respectively. According to census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Toogoom all fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of residents (868 people) are within the $800 - 1,499 income bracket, unlike regional trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures in Toogoom are severe, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Toogoom, as assessed at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 98.1% houses and 1.9% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Toogoom was 47.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented dwellings at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,415, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure stood at $345, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 74.3% of all households, including 21.0% composed of couples with children, 42.4% consisting of couples without children, and 10.6% being single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 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 substantial 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 indicates 16 active public transport stops in Toogoom, operated by buses. These stops are served by one route, offering a total of 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents located an average of 339 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Toogoom is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Toogoom faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 1,346 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Around 57.4% of residents report being free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 54.0%. Toogoom has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.3%, or approximately 905 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Toogoom are better than those of 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, surveyed in July-August 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 83.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.7% being citizens, and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.0% of Toogoom's population, compared to 52.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.7%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (8.4%).

German (5.1%) and Dutch (1.6%) were overrepresented in Toogoom compared to regional averages of 6.6% and 1.0%, respectively, while New Zealand was slightly higher at 0.8%.

Toogoom ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Toogoom has a median age of 52, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 20.3% of Toogoom's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. This concentration of 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 has grown from 8.5% to 10.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.2% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Toogoom's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow by 101 people (18%), from 569 to 671. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.