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, as of November 2025, is around 18,006. This figure reflects an increase of 991 people since 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 205 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 5.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (5.4%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader. 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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated, with Wambo expected to increase by 430 persons to 2041, marking a total increase of 1.2% 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 each year over the past five financial years, totalling 136 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.5 people move to the area per new home constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting 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 this financial year, $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 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 comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Wambo is 784 people, reflecting its quiet 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Dalby Water Supply Upgrade - Treatment Development, Dalby Cultural Centre, Within Energy Dalby Geothermal Project (EPG 2031), and Dalby Police Station Redevelopment. The following list details those most 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 labour market in Wambo shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Wambo has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of June 2025, 9,241 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and a workforce participation rate of 61.7%. Leading industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 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. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase 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 and the average income stood at $55,915. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income was $50,780 and the average income was $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $54,821 (median) and $63,738 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, 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 (5,887 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

The dwelling structure in Wambo, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This was compared to Non-Metro Qld's 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Wambo was at 33.5%, with the rest of the dwellings either mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (32.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure as well. Nationally, Wambo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 28.2%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 at 30.8%, comprising primary education (12.8%), secondary education (10.1%), and tertiary education (2.3%). Eleven schools serve 3,451 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 953) and 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 versus the regional average of 14.3, indicating it serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, 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 health challenges in Wambo, with common conditions prevalent across younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 8,642 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are asthma (9.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%). About 64.2% report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld's 63.4%. Wambo has 17.8% residents aged 65 and over (3,196 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 21.5%. Senior health outcomes face challenges broadly aligned 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 89.3% citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 66.5%, compared to 66.9% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (32.5%), English (29.5%), and Irish (8.3%).

Notably, German representation was higher than average, at 7.4% vs regional 8.6%. Australian Aboriginal also showed a higher percentage, at 5.7% vs 4.7%, as did Filipino, at 1.7% vs 1.4%.

Wambo's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wambo's median age is 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Wambo has a notably over-represented 5-14 cohort (14.5% locally) and an under-represented 75-84 year-old group (5.9%). Post the 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% and the 5-14 group decreased from 15.6% to 14.5%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Wambo's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 31%, adding 325 residents to reach 1,382. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.