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

Wambo's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 17,942. This figure represents a growth of 927 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,015. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,791 in June 2024 and an additional 204 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3.1 persons per square kilometer. Wambo's growth rate of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA4 region's growth rate of 5.3%, indicating it is a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, national trends suggest lower quartile growth of regional areas, with Wambo expected to increase by 430 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 1.6% 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 over the past five financial years, totalling 136 homes. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.5 people moved to the area per year for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average cost of $306,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $10.4 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting 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 buyer choices 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.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 784 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. AreaSearch projects Wambo will gain 279 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

Wambo has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Dalby Cultural Centre, Within Energy Dalby Geothermal Project (EPG 2031), 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 was 3.7% in the past year. Employment growth over this period was estimated at 4.7%.

As of September 2025, 9,382 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is 69.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. 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.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high share at 3.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force grew by 6.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded lower growth rates and a smaller increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wambo's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 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 2023 shows that income in the Wambo SA2 is below the national average. The median income is $51,383 and the average income stands at $60,020. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,475 (median) and $65,968 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Wambo, between the 29th and 33rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.7% of residents (5,867 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 33rd percentile.

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

Wambo's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's composition of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wambo stood at 33.5%, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's figure, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (32.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wambo was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Wambo was recorded at $250, substantially lower than both Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345 and the national figure 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 make up 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 average for the Rest of Queensland.

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%. Bachelor degrees are 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, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high at 30.8%, comprising primary education (12.8%), secondary education (10.1%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

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, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 49% of the total population (around 8,773 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.8% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 64.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age population faces significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,236 people), lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with its population comprising 89.3% citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wambo, accounting for 66.5%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.5%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 7.4% in Wambo than the regional average of 4.7%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was at 5.7%, compared to 3.9% regionally, and Filipino ancestry was at 1.7%, versus 0.9% regionally.

Wambo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wambo's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 years, and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented in Wambo at 14.3%, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 11.0%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.3% to 6.1% of Wambo's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.9% to 11.0%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 15.6% to 14.3%. Demographic modeling indicates that by 2041, Wambo's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow the strongest at 13%, adding 299 residents to reach a total of 2,575. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.