Toogoom

Toogoom lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Toogoom's population is estimated at around 2,824, reflecting an increase of 228 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.8% increase from the previous population count of 2,596. AreaSearch's analysis, following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date, estimated a resident population of 2,761 for Toogoom. This results in a density ratio of approximately 296 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area at 8.8% compared to 8.2%. Interstate migration contributed about 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Toogoom is expected to increase by around 338 persons to reach a total population of approximately 3,162 by 2041, reflecting a 13.0% increase 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 14 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 73 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 4.9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over these years.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average value of $401,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms. There have been $148,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Toogoom records 19.0% less building activity per person while it places among the 87th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 97 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Toogoom is expected to grow by 367 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Toogoom has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile 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 the area. Notable projects include Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Forest Wind Farm, and Building Future Hospitals Program, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Toogoom's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.6%. As of June 2025, 1,084 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Toogoom lagged significantly at 43.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with healthcare having particularly notable concentration at 1.5 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.4% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, labour force grew by 7.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.5 percentage points. This contrasted 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-22 suggested potential future demand within Toogoom, projecting national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Toogoom's employment mix estimated local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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 2022 indicates Toogoom's median income among taxpayers is $42,172. The average income in Toogoom during this period was $52,545. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median income was $50,780 with an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Toogoom would be approximately $48,072 (median) and $59,896 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Toogoom all fall between the 4th and 6th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (875 residents), 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Toogoom's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.1% houses and 1.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toogoom stood at 47.9%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 25.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,415, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. Weekly rent in Toogoom was recorded at $345, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Toogoom's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,415 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $345 compared to the national figure of $375.

Toogoom has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.3% of all households, composed 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the average in 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This 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 prevalent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (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. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment area, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring regions.

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 transport stops in Toogoom, served by buses. There's 1 route operating, offering 12 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 339 meters, indicating good accessibility.

Service frequency averages 1 trip per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 0 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. Approximately 48% (~1,356 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Conversely, 57.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 54.0%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 32.4% (914 people), exceeding the Rest of Qld's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 2016, had 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, practiced by 49.0% of Toogoom's population, compared to 52.8% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.7%), Australian (27.0%), and Scottish (8.4%).

Notably, German (5.1%) and Dutch (1.6%) were overrepresented in Toogoom compared to the regional averages of 6.6% and 1.0%, respectively. New Zealanders also had a higher representation 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 constitutes 20.3% of Toogoom's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.4%. This 65-74 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.5% to 10.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 7.2% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 10.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Toogoom's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age group is projected to grow by 98 people (17%) from 573 to 672. 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.