North Toowoomba (Qld)

Detail

Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address checks by Districts since the Census, the estimated population of North Toowoomba stands at approximately 3,422 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 90 people (2.7%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,332 people. The figure is derived from a resident population of 3,347, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 1,711 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio found across national areas analyzed by Districts. The primary driver of this growth was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 65.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

Detail

North Toowoomba is characterized by a skilled labor force with strong representation in essential services, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.0% derived from aggregated statistical area data. In March 2026, 1,634 residents were employed. The local unemployment rate sits 1.1% higher than the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, and the participation rate is slightly low at 60.7% compared to 64.3% across Regional Qld. Census records show that a minor 8.8% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Based on aggregated postcode data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of North Toowoomba recorded a median income of $50,001 and an average income of $61,439. These figures sit below the national average and compare to $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) across Regional Qld. Accounting for a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 are approximately $55,681 for median income and $68,418 for average income. Census statistics place household, family, and personal incomes in the area between the 17th and 31st percentiles nationwide. The dominant income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which includes 28.7% of residents (982 people), similar to the 31.7% recorded regionally. Housing cost pressures are notable, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the th percentile for affordability.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in North Toowoomba consisted of 79.6% houses and 20.4% alternative dwellings, such as semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings across Regional Qld. The home ownership rate was lower than the regional average, standing at 23.5%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (31.9%) or tenants (44.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,408 was lower than the Regional Qld median of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $285 compared to the regional figure of $345. Nationally, North Toowoomba's housing costs are also lower, with mortgage payments well below the Australian median of $1,863 and rents substantially below the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 58.9%, which includes 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%, consisting of lone person households at 36.7% and group households at 4.4%. The average household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Detail

Educational attainment in North Toowoomba is lower than regional averages, with 24.8% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to the national rate of 30.4%. This highlights opportunities for raising education levels. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 17.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (25.4%).

Detail

Analysis shows 21 active public transport stops in North Toowoomba, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 3 different routes, offering a combined 220 passenger trips each week. Transport access is highly rated, with the typical resident living 165 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning residents commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode of travel at 90%, and 6% of people walking. The average vehicle ownership is 1.1 cars per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.8% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

Detail

Health indicators point to notable difficulties in North Toowoomba, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality and chronic disease data, which show significant impacts across different age groups. Furthermore, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, sitting at approximately 52% of the population, or about 1,764 people.

Detail

North Toowoomba matches the broader regional averages for cultural diversity, with citizens making up 82.8% of the population, 81.2% of residents born in Australia, and 88.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 49.9% of the population. The most distinct variance is in the Other religious category, which accounts for 6.5% of residents, significantly higher than the Regional Qld average of 0.8%.

Detail

The median age in the suburb of North Toowoomba is 36, which is lower than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and slightly below the Australian average of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 (17.7%) and a lower share of 5 - 14 year-olds (9.6%). Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 12.5% to 14.3% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age cohort has grown from 11.3% to 12.9%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.7% to 9.6%, and the 45 to group dropped from to . Projections suggest the age profile will change by with the to age group expected to expand by people () from to while the to group is projected to contract by residents.

Detail

North Toowoomba currently has an estimated 239 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 145 children aged 0-2 and 96 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 29% by 2041 (to approximately 309 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 302. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.