Dubbo Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Dubbo Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Dubbo Surrounds' population is approximately 6,283 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 320 people, a 5.4% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 5,963. This change was inferred using the estimated resident population of 6,146 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Dubbo Surrounds' growth exceeded both its SA4 region (3.2%) and SA3 area between 2021 and August 2025. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.1% of overall population gains during this period, with other factors such as interstate migration also positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by the ABS data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics project above median growth for locations outside capital cities. Dubbo Surrounds is expected to grow by 787 persons by 2041, a total gain of 10.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Dubbo Surrounds according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Dubbo Surrounds has recorded approximately 19 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 95 homes over the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, with 3 so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling accommodates 2.8 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $527,000.

In the current financial year, $4.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Dubbo Surrounds' primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Dubbo Surrounds has significantly less development activity, 50.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's development activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established character and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Dubbo Surrounds' traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1404 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Dubbo Surrounds will gain approximately 650 residents by the year 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Dubbo Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include PCYC Western NSW Sports Hub, New Dubbo Bridge, NSW SES Dubbo Facility, and Blueridge Business Park. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Dubbo Surrounds performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Dubbo Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 0.9% as of June 2025. It has 3,253 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.7% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is high at 65.8%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Dubbo Surrounds has a particular specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, at 4.5% of its workforce compared to 7.8% in Rest of NSW.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data showing fewer working residents than locals. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Dubbo Surrounds' labour force decreased by 1.9%, while employment declined by 2.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw an employment decline of 0.1% with a labour force growth of 0.3%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dubbo Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 shows median income in Dubbo Surrounds at $51,610 and average income at $60,818. In comparison, Rest of NSW had median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Applying a 10.6% growth from March 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,081 (median) and $67,265 (average). Census data from 2021 indicates Dubbo Surrounds incomes cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 35.1% of residents earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually. After housing costs, residents retain 89.2% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Dubbo Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Dubbo Surrounds, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.8% houses and 1.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 88.0% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dubbo Surrounds stood at 43.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (46.4%) or rented (9.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,450. Median weekly rent in Dubbo Surrounds was $265, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $280. Nationally, Dubbo Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dubbo Surrounds features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.1% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Dubbo Surrounds fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 18.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (36.6%).

Educational participation is notably high at 32.6%, including 13.3% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education. Dubbo Surrounds' five schools have a combined enrollment of 224 students, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes three primary schools and two K-12 schools. Limited local school capacity (3.6 places per 100 residents compared to 16.2 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Dubbo Surrounds shows that there are currently 318 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 44 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 374 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located about 216 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is around 53 trips per day, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Dubbo Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Dubbo Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~3,141 people) of the total population have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and asthma (9.0%). Sixty-six point seven percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.1% across Rest of NSW. Nineteen point six percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,234 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Dubbo Surrounds are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Dubbo Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dubbo Surrounds has low cultural diversity, with 89.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home: 95.6% and 99.1%, respectively. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dubbo Surrounds at 71.8%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 65.6%. Ancestry shows Australian origin at 37.2%, English at 30.7%, and Irish at 9.2%.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is overrepresented at 6.2% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Maltese (0.4%) and Scottish (7.6%) ancestry are also disproportionately high.

Dubbo Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Dubbo Surrounds has a median age of 42 years, which is similar to the Rest of NSW average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The most prominent age group in Dubbo Surrounds is 55-64 year-olds at 14.7%, while the 25-34 group makes up only 9.1% of the population, which is smaller compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.1% to 12.7% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 12.2%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 15.4% to 13.8%. By 2041, Dubbo Surrounds' population is projected to have substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 cohort is forecasted to grow by 29%, adding 168 residents to reach a total of 740. Conversely, the 15-24 and 55-64 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.