Dalby

Dalby 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 analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area around Dalby, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the estimated population of Dalby as of November 2025 is approximately 13,424. This reflects an increase of 666 people, representing a growth rate of 5.2%, compared to the population count recorded in the 2021 Census which was 12,758 people. This inference is based on AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 13,260 for Dalby, following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is approximately 41 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Dalby's growth rate of 5.2% since the census places it within 0.2 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.4%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Dalby.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are used. 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 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for locations outside capital cities, with Dalby expected to increase by approximately 309 persons to reach a total population of around 15,748 by the year 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 1.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Dalby according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Dalby has seen around 15 new homes approved each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 76 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY-26. On average, this translates to about 2.9 new residents per year for each dwelling over the same period, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these new homes is $450,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $6.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Relative to Rest of Qld, Dalby shows substantially reduced construction levels, with 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. All new construction in the area has been comprised of standalone homes, preserving its low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 1105 people per dwelling approval reflects Dalby's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Dalby will gain 183 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Dalby has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 7 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are the Within Energy Dalby Geothermal Project (EPG 2031), Dalby Cultural Centre, Dalby Water Supply Upgrade - Treatment Development, and ALDI Dalby Store. The following list details those projects considered 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.

Employment performance in Dalby exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Dalby has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.4% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 6,848 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is 0.5% below Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation was 62.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Leading employment industries among residents comprised retail trade, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 12.1% of Dalby's workforce compared to 16.1% in Rest of Qld. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area, aggregated from wider statistical area data during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force increased by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered further insight into potential future demand within Dalby. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Dalby's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 1st July 2022 for the financial year 2022, Dalby had a median income among taxpayers of $49,950. The average income level stood at $58,074. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Dalby would be approximately $56,938 (median) and $66,199 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 37th percentile in Dalby. Family income ranks at the 34th percentile, while personal income ranks at the 39th percentile. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 33.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,550 residents), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing expenses, 86.5% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Dalby's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dalby stood at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 35.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $260 compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of $1,300 and $250 respectively. Nationally, Dalby's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dalby has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.3 percent of all households, including couples with children (29.4%), couples without children (27.2%), and single parent families (13.4%). Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Dalby fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.9% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Dalby has a robust network of six schools educating approximately 3,200 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary, two secondary, and two K-12 schools. As an education hub, the area has 23.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.3, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Dalby is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Dalby faces significant health challenges with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6741 people), compared to 47.5% across the rest of Queensland. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 10.0% of residents and asthma affects 9.9%, while 64.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments. This compares to 63.4% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2161 people), lower than the 21.5% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Dalby has a cultural diversity level below average, with 89.6% of its population being citizens, 91.4% born in Australia, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dalby, comprising 65.5% of the population, compared to 66.9% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (31.8%), English (29.1%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 7.3%, compared to the regional average of 8.6%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry is also higher than the regional average, at 6.3% versus 4.7%. Filipino ancestry is present at 1.9%, slightly higher than the regional average of 1.4%.

Dalby's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Dalby is 35 years, which is lower than Queensland's average of 41 years and also under the national average of 38 years. In comparison to Queensland's average, Dalby has a notably higher percentage of individuals aged 5-14 (15.0%) but a lower percentage of those aged 65-74 (8.8%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group 15-24 has increased from 13.4% to 14.2%, while the age groups 45-54 and 5-14 have decreased, respectively, to 11.4% and 15.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Dalby. Notably, the age group 25-34 is projected to grow by 15%, reaching 2,077 people from 1,812. Conversely, both the age groups 55-64 and 5-14 are expected to decrease in number.