Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Wilsonton
5 km²
A notably older population defines Wilsonton, where nearly 25% of residents are seniors. This community in Toowoomba is marked by a high proportion of people living alone and a significant First Nations presence, which is much higher than in most other areas. While many residents face health challenges and lower typical incomes, the area is very walkable with easy access to parks and shops. It is a place where a large number of people rent their homes and many have recently arrived from overseas.
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The typical resident is 42, making the area noticeably older than the state and national figures. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 24.7% of the population, a figure well above the national average of 17.2%.
Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up 11.4% of the community, which is far below the national figure of 27.7%. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.
English is the main language for 88.8% of people, though 6.6% use another language at home, which is higher than most similar areas. However, this is still well below the Queensland average of 13.2%.
Religious affiliation is more common here than in most areas, with 55.3% of people identifying as Christian. Those with no religion make up 35.0%, which is well below the national figure of 38.9%.
Education levels are lower than in most areas, with only 9.9% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, far below the national figure of 26.3%. Only 40.6% of residents completed Year 12, which is far below the state average.
Incomes are notably low, with the typical household earning $1,107 a week, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. Only 6.3% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, a figure much lower than most areas.
Health challenges are widespread, with 40.0% of people living with a long-term health condition. This is far above the national average, and 9.4% of residents need help with daily activities, which is also well above the national figure.
Volunteer rates are much lower than in most areas at 12.0%. However, the community has a higher rate of former Defence Force members, at 4.2%, compared to 2.8% nationally.
There are 435 First Nations people in the area, one of the largest counts for its level. The First Nations population is noticeably younger than the national average, with a typical age of 21.
A high number of people live alone (37.5%) or in one-parent families (21.9%), both of which are much higher than most areas. Because of this, homes are smaller, with a typical 2.2 people per household.
Rental properties are common, with 38.8% of households renting, which is well above the national figure. While typical weekly rent is $290, this is well below the national average of $375.
Most people drive to work, but the area has a high number of public transport stops, with 36 in total. Around 8.6% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is much higher than most areas.
The community is quite mobile, with 40.7% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are very high at 27.2%, far above the national figure of 14.5%.
Unemployment is higher than most areas at 7.1%, and only 53.5% of adults are working or looking for work, which is well below the national figure. Many people work in health care and social assistance.
The area is very walkable, with a score of 6.1. Nearly all homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park, and 74.3% are within a similar distance of groceries, far above the state average.