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 since the Census Dalby's population is estimated at around 13,442 as of Nov 2025. 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 (June 2024) and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 41 persons per square kilometer. Dalby's 5.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.2%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of locations outside of capital cities is anticipated, with the Dalby statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 308 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.2% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Dalby has seen around 16 new homes approved each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 84 homes were approved, with another 11 approved so far in FY-26. On average, this translates to about 2.6 new residents per dwelling over these years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $450,000. This year has seen $6.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Dalby has significantly less development activity, 53.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, Dalby's development activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, preserving Dalby's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 828 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Dalby adding 164 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Within Energy's Dalby Geothermal Project (EPG 2031), Dalby Cultural Centre, Dalby Water Supply Upgrade - Treatment Development, and ALDI Dalby Store. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Dalby ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Dalby has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%.

As of September 2025, 6,949 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is 0.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 62.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries included retail trade, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 12.1% of Dalby's workforce compared to 16.1% in Rest of Qld. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, labour force increased by 6.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dalby's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Dalby suburb had median income among taxpayers at $49,950 and average income at $58,074. These figures are below national averages of $61,650 (median) and $71,930 (average). Comparing with Rest of Qld, Dalby's incomes were lower at $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Dalby would be approximately $54,900 and average income around $63,829 as of September 2025. Census data shows household incomes rank at 37th percentile, family incomes at 36th percentile, and personal incomes at 33rd percentile in Dalby. Income brackets indicate largest segment is 33.9% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (4,556 residents), consistent with broader regional trends of 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 evaluation, consisted of 91.3% houses and 8.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 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 the Australian 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 constitute 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 account for 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, which is 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.7% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prominent, 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. 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 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 (~6750 people), compared to 47.9% across the Rest of Qld. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.0 and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 64.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across the Rest of Qld. As of 2021, 16.1% of Dalby's residents are aged 65 and over (2164 people), which is lower than the 21.5% in the Rest of Qld. 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 lower than average 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% of people, compared to 66.9% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestral groups are Australian (31.8%), English (29.1%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 7.3%, while Australian Aboriginal is at 6.3%, and Filipino is at 1.9%.

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 the national average of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 5-14 in Dalby is notably higher at 15.0% compared to the rest of Queensland's average. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 65-74 in Dalby is lower at 8.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.4% to 14.2%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.7% to 11.4%. The 5-14 age group has also dropped from 16.1% to 15.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Dalby. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 14%, adding 262 people and reaching a total of 2,077 from 1,814. However, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.