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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Dalby is estimated at around 13,442 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 684 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,758 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,310 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 116 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 41 persons per square kilometer. Dalby's 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, contributing approximately 65.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of locations outside of capital cities is anticipated. The suburb of Dalby is expected to increase by 293 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Dalby has seen approximately 16 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 84 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.6 new residents, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $450,000 during this period. This financial year has seen $6.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Dalby's building activity is 53.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The area's low density nature is preserved as all new constructions are detached houses, attracting space-seeking buyers.

As of FY-25, there were an estimated 828 people per dwelling approval in Dalby. Future projections suggest the area will add 148 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Dalby has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include 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 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 both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 3.9% as of September 2025. This rate is 0.2% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. The estimated employment growth over the past year was 4.4%.

Approximately 6,933 residents are currently employed, with a workforce participation rate of 69.3%, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 5.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. The leading employment industries in Dalby are retail trade, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence in Dalby, with 12.1% employment compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data from broader statistical areas indicates that over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while the labour force grew by 6.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, with a labour force increase of 2.1% and an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dalby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Dalby's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Dalby's median income among taxpayers was $49,950 and average income stood at $58,074. This compares to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,900 (median) and $63,829 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Dalby rank modestly, between the 33rd and 39th percentiles. Income distribution shows 33.9% of population (4,556 individuals) fall within $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with broader trends across surrounding region at 31.7%. 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Dalby was $260, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Dalby's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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% of all households, including 29.4% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households at 25.7% and group households making up 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 has university qualification rates of 13.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 them - advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.9% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health data indicates substantial health challenges in Dalby, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,750 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.0 and 9.9% of residents respectively, while 64.4% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces significant health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Dalby has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,191 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 low cultural diversity, 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%, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 31.8% of Dalby's population, higher than the regional average of 26.5%.

English and Irish ancestry are also prevalent at 29.1% and 8.2%, respectively. Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented in Dalby at 7.3%, compared to 4.7% regionally. Australian Aboriginal ancestry is also higher at 6.3%, compared to 3.9%. Filipino ancestry is notably present at 1.9%, compared to 0.9% regionally.

Dalby's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Dalby is 35 years, considerably lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and under the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 14.8% locally compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 5.6% of the population. The 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.9%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 16.1% to 14.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Dalby, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 12% (228 people), reaching 2,070 from 1,841. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.