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 is around 18,006 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 991 people 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 205 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3.2 persons per square kilometer. Wambo's growth rate of 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (5.4%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 64.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated. The area is expected to increase by 430 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.2% 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 approximately 27 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 136 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.5 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $306,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers.

In FY-26, $10.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wambo has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 20th percentile nationally, suggesting more limited housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction between FY-21 and FY-25 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 215 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Twenty-one infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects 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.

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

Wambo has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 4.7%. As of September 2025, there are 9,382 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is 61.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 3.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 11.2% versus the regional average of 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force increased by 6.9%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 2.0 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%. The state unemployment rate is 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wambo. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wambo's employment mix suggests 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 data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Wambo SA2 was $48,093 and average income was $55,915. In Rest of Qld, median income was $50,780 and average income was $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $54,821 and average income will be around $63,738 based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Wambo between the 29th and 33rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 32.7% of residents (5,887 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to broader regional trends at 31.7%. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.0%, but disposable income ranks below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

Wambo's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wambo was at 33.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (32.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wambo was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $250, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Wambo's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $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 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 prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (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, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate is low at approximately 48%, covering around 8,642 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%). About 64.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 63.4%. Wambo has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.8%, or approximately 3,196 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 21.5%. Senior health outcomes present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, accounting for 66.5% of the population, compared to 66.9% across the Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented are Australian (32.5%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.3%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Wambo at 7.4%, compared to 8.6% regionally. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ethnicity stands at 5.7% in Wambo versus 4.7% regionally, and Filipino ethnicity is present at 1.7% compared to the regional average of 1.4%.

Wambo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wambo's median age is 37 years, significantly lower than the Rest of Queensland average of 41, and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Wambo has a notably higher percentage of 5-14 year-olds (14.5%) but fewer 75-84 year-olds (5.9%). Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 12.5% to 13.2%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.9% to 11.5%. The 5-14 group also decreased from 15.6% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wambo's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 31%, adding 325 residents to reach 1,382. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.