Wambo

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

As of May 2026, Wambo's population is approximately 17,987, reflecting a 5.7% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 17,015 people. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 17,853 in June 2025 and an additional 223 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3.2 persons per square kilometer. Wambo's population growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (5%) and SA3 area, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.1% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated, with Wambo expected to increase by 424 persons to reach a population of approximately 18,411 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 1.6% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 over the past five financial years, totalling 136 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 2.5 people moved to the area per year for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these new homes was $306,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, $10.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing 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, suggesting 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 potential planning limitations. All new construction since FY-21 has been detached houses, preserving Wambo's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated 784 people per dwelling approval, the area maintains a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Wambo will gain 290 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

Wambo has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Within Energy Dalby Geothermal Project (EPG 2031), Dalby Cultural Centre, Dalby Water Supply Upgrade - Treatment Development, and Dalby Police Station Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Wambo shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Wambo has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 4.6%.

As of December 2025, 9,403 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, compared to Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is 69.2%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 10.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

The area has strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.7 times the regional level), but lower representation in health care & social assistance (11.2% vs 16.1%). Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force grew by 6.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment will expand by 6.6%, and over ten years, it will grow by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Wambo's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Wambo SA2 was $51,383 and average income was $60,020. This is lower than Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on a 11.36% increase in wages since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes are approximately $57,220 (median) and $66,838 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census places household, family, and personal incomes in Wambo between the 29th and 33rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (5,881 people). Housing costs are manageable with 87.0% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

In Wambo, as recorded in the latest Census, 92.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wambo stood at 33.5%, similar to Regional Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 33.6% while rented dwellings made up 32.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, significantly lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Wambo was $250, substantially below both the Regional Qld figure of $345 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 matches the Regional Queensland average.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 31.7%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.8% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.8% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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 health challenges in Wambo. AreaSearch's assessment found high mortality rates and prevalent chronic conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was low at approximately 49% of the total population (~8,795 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were asthma (9.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Notably, 64.2% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age population health challenges are evident with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,288 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

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

Wambo's population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.3% being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 66.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.5%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.3%).

Notably, German (7.4%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.7%) were overrepresented in Wambo compared to regional averages of 4.7% and 3.9%, respectively. Filipino representation was also higher at 1.7%.

Wambo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wambo's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Regional Queensland average of 41 years and essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, Wambo has a notably over-represented cohort of 5-14 year-olds at 14.1%, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.3% to 6.2% of Wambo's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.9% to 11.2%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 15.6% to 14.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that by 2041, Wambo's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 26%, adding 296 residents to reach a total of 1,417. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.