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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wambo's population is around 17,942 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 927 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,015 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,791 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 204 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Wambo's 5.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 64.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 430 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.6% in total 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 around 27 new homes approved each year, totalling 136 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.5 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $306,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $10.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Wambo has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 20th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 784 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Wambo will gain 279 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Dalby Cultural Centre, Within Energy Dalby Geothermal Project (EPG 2031), Dalby Water Supply Upgrade - Treatment Development, and Dalby Police Station Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 4.6% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,403 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (69.7% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.2% versus the regional average of 16.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force increased by 6.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wambo. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wambo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Wambo SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $51,383 while the average income stands at $60,020. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, 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 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

Dwelling structure within Wambo, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wambo was in line with that of Regional Qld, at 33.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (32.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Wambo's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.8% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.7%).

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 reveals substantial challenges facing Wambo, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~8,773 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.8 and 9.5% of residents, respectively, while 64.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,236 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Wambo was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.3% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wambo is Christianity, which makes up 66.5% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wambo are Australian, comprising 32.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 29.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 7.4% of Wambo (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.7% (vs 3.9%) and Filipino at 1.7% (vs 0.9%).

Wambo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Wambo's median age is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (14.3% locally), while 45 - 54 year-olds are under-represented (11.0%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 6.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.0% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.6% to 14.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Wambo's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 13%, adding 299 residents to reach 2,575. On the other hand, both 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age groups will see reduced numbers.