Wambo
Statistical Area - sa2

Wambo is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Wambo's population, according to AreaSearch's analysis, stood at 17,961 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 946 individuals, a 5.6% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 17,015. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,791 in June 2024 and an additional 187 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3.2 persons per square kilometer. Wambo's growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (5.1%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.8% 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated. The area is expected to increase by 430 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, indicating a total increase of 1.4% over the 17 years.

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

Wambo has seen approximately 27 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 136 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25, with 10 approvals so far in FY-26. An average of 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $450,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers.

In FY-26, $10.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wambo has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 20th percentile nationally, offering more limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. All new construction has been detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 784 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Wambo will gain 260 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Wambo has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 24 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are Dalby Water Supply Upgrade - Treatment Development, Dalby Cultural Centre, Inland Rail - Queensland Sections, and Within Energy Dalby Geothermal Project (EPG 2031). The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

The labour market in Wambo shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Wambo's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of June 2025, 9,241 residents were employed with an unemployment rate at 0.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 61.7%, close to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed strong specialization with an employment share 3.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 11.2% versus the regional average of 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, labour force grew by 5.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed QLD employment contracted by 0.23% with a state unemployment rate at 4.2%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wambo's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Wambo is below the national average. The median assessed income was $48,093 while the average income stood at $55,915. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures of a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,725 (median) and $62,463 (average) as of March 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Wambo, between the 30th and 33rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.7% of residents (5,873 people), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 87.0% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 34th percentile.

Wambo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Wambo, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.7% of dwellings were houses while 7.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Queensland's figures of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wambo stood at 33.5%, with mortgaged properties at 33.6% and rented ones at 32.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Queensland's average, while the median weekly rent was $250, also matching Non-Metro Queensland's figure. Nationally, Wambo's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.8% of all households, including 29.4% couples with children, 28.9% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

Wambo faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.7%).

Educational participation is high at 30.8%, including 12.8% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education. Eleven schools serve 3,451 students; Wambo school demonstrates typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 953) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes five primary, two secondary, and four K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 19.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.3, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where school enrolments are 'n/a', please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Wambo is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant obstacles for Wambo, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 8,621 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.8% and 9.5% of residents respectively. About 64.2% of residents report being free from medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% reported across Rest of Qld. Approximately 17.8% of Wambo's population is aged 65 and over (around 3,188 people), lower than the 21.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges, generally aligning with the overall health profile of the population.

Wambo is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wambo's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.3% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Wambo is Christianity, comprising 66.5% of the population, compared to 66.9% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Wambo are Australian (32.5%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.3%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented at 7.4%, compared to 8.6% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is at 5.7% (vs 4.7%) and Filipino at 1.7% (vs 1.4%).

Wambo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wambo's median age is 37, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 but essentially aligned with Australia's median of 38. The 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented in Wambo at 14.5%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented in Wambo at 5.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.2% of Wambo's population. However, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.5%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 15.6% to 14.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Wambo's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 15%, adding 328 residents to reach a total of 2,575. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.