🔍

Crows Nest

QLD 4355 • Rest of QLD

2,212
Population (2021)
$47,476
Median Household Income
96.08 km²
Area
$270/wk
Median Rent
RuralAffordableScenicHistoricRetirement-Friendly

About Crows Nest

Crows Nest is a charming rural town in the Toowoomba Region of Queensland, situated 43 kilometres north of Toowoomba and about 158 kilometres west of Brisbane. With a population of 2,212, it sits at an elevation of 523 metres on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. The town has a notably older demographic with a median age of 57, and a strong sense of heritage with predominantly Australian and English ancestry. Established in 1876, Crows Nest retains much of its small-town Queensland character.

Crows Nest offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with stunning views of the surrounding ranges and valleys. The town features a heritage-listed streetscape, an art gallery in the former council chambers, and the nearby Crows Nest National Park with its dramatic gorge and waterfall. Local amenities include a primary school, community facilities, and small-town shops. The area attracts retirees and those seeking an affordable country lifestyle, with a median rent of just 70 per week.

Crows Nest falls under postcode 4355 and is governed by Toowoomba Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Condamine electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4355
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Toowoomba
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Condamine
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.26°, 152.07°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
96.08 km²
Elevation
523m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$270
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,118
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
57 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Trans-Link 900 — Toowoomba via Highfields 45-55 mins

Commute to Toowoomba CBD

Distance
43 km
By Bus
45-55 mins
By Car (Peak)
35-40 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
30-35 mins

🛣️ No rail service; car is the primary transport. Brisbane is approximately 1.5-2 hours by car via the Warrego Highway.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre is walkable with basic shops and services, but a car is essential for most daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Toowoomba Local Government Area, which contains Crows Nest. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
826.8 / 100k
2yr Down 33.3% 10yr Up 12.0%
Motor vehicle theft
288.8 / 100k
2yr Down 19.5% 10yr Up 68.7%
Non-FV assault
879.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 124.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
15 / 100k
2yr Down 31.9% 10yr Up 145.8%
Steal from vehicle
446 / 100k
2yr Down 14.1% 10yr Down 26.0%
View all offence categories for Toowoomba →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,160
Census 2021
2,212
▲ 2.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$24,024
Personal Income 2021
$25,584
▲ 6.5% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$25,584 / yr
$492/wk
Household
$47,476 / yr
$913/wk
Family
$59,488 / yr
$1144/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,663
Born Overseas 224

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 86
  • 2. New Zealand 33
  • 3. Netherlands 12
  • 4. Germany 11
  • 5. United States 9
  • 6. Taiwan 8
  • 7. Philippines 7
  • 8. Indonesia 5
  • 9. Nepal 5
  • 10. Wales 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 947
Australian 813
German 263
Irish 236
Scottish 223
Australian Aboriginal 48
Dutch 42
Italian 33
French 17
Chinese 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,438
Both parents born in Australia
274
Both parents born overseas
186
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.5%
No Religion
30.7%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
74 (3.3%)
5-14 years
214 (9.7%)
15-19 years
98 (4.4%)
20-24 years
72 (3.3%)
25-34 years
170 (7.7%)
35-44 years
169 (7.6%)
45-54 years
233 (10.5%)
55-64 years
327 (14.8%)
65-74 years
396 (17.9%)
75-84 years
322 (14.6%)
85+ years
134 (6.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crows Nest known for? +

Crows Nest is a charming rural town in the Toowoomba Region of Queensland, situated 43 kilometres north of Toowoomba and about 158 kilometres west of Brisbane. With a population of 2,212, it sits at an elevation of 523 metres on the edge of the Great Dividing Range.

How far is Crows Nest from Brisbane CBD? +

Crows Nest is approximately 43 km from Toowoomba CBD. By car, the journey takes around 30-35 mins off-peak and 35-40 mins during peak hours.

Does Crows Nest have public transport? +

Crows Nest is served by bus routes connecting to Toowoomba via Highfields, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Crows Nest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Crows Nest has a population of approximately 2,212 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Toowoomba (Regional Council).

Is Crows Nest a good place to live? +

Crows Nest suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Crows Nest? +

The postcode for Crows Nest, QLD is 4355.

What is the average income in Crows Nest? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Crows Nest is about $492 per week (around $25,600 per year). The median household income is $913 per week and the median family income is $1,144 per week.

What is the age profile of Crows Nest? +

The median age in Crows Nest is 57. The largest age group is 65–74 (396 residents, around 18%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 39% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Crows Nest a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Crows Nest is part of the Toowoomba LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Crows Nest? +

In Crows Nest, the median weekly rent is $270, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,118 (2021 Census).