Dallas

An assessment of population growth drivers in Dallas reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Dallas is estimated at approximately 7,024 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 262 people from the 2021 Census count of 6,762 residents. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses since the Census date and their analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which showed a resident population of 6,858. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,890 persons per square kilometer, placing Dallas in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 for areas not covered by this data. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with Dallas expected to expand by 2,231 persons to reach 9,255 residents by 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 29.4% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Dallas is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Dallas has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 35 homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), 7 approvals have been recorded as of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $356,000. There have also been $5.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to other areas. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dallas records markedly lower building activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock (currently 84.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1719 people per dwelling approval, Dallas reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Dallas will gain 2,065 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Dallas has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Time & Place Campbellfield Industrial Development, Assembly Broadmeadows, Parkview Broadmeadows, and North Melbourne Logistics Hub. The following list details those likely to be 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 performance in Dallas lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Dallas has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 15.6% as of December 2025, showing room for improvement compared to Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Dallas is lower at 47.5%, versus Greater Melbourne's 71.3%.

A low 11.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Dallas specializes particularly in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share twice the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 4.1% while the labour force decreased by 0.9%, reducing unemployment by 4.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dallas's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.8% in five years and 12.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1st July 2023, the suburb of Dallas' median income among taxpayers is $38,433. The average income in Dallas is $46,534. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Melbourne, the median income is $57,688 and the average is $75,164. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, Dallas' median income is estimated to be approximately $41,604 and the average is $50,373. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Dallas fall between the 1st and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings band of $800 - 1,499 captures 30.6% of Dallas' community (2,149 individuals), unlike broader trends where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures in Dallas are severe, with only 80.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Dallas is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Dallas, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dallas was 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented dwellings at 33.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent was $323, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Dallas's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.4% of all households, including 40.1% couples with children, 15.0% couples without children, and 18.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 21.0% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (16.4%). Educational participation is high, with 38.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.9% in primary, 9.9% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 38.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

A transport analysis indicates that Dallas has 20 operational transit hubs serving a variety of bus routes. These hubs are served by two distinct routes, facilitating a total of 738 weekly passenger journeys. The accessibility of public transport is deemed good, with residents typically residing 323 metres from the nearest hub. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 84% of residents, while train usage stands at 9%. On average, each dwelling owns 1.3 vehicles.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 105 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 36 weekly trips per individual hub.

Health performance in Dallas is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Dallas, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average, particularly among older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (around 3,185 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.6% and 7.4% of residents respectively. However, 71.9% of residents claim to be completely free of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,011 people). While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Dallas is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dallas has a population where 49.8% were born overseas, with 74.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Islam is the predominant religion in Dallas, comprising 61.5%. This figure contrasts with Greater Melbourne's 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (48.6%), Australian (12.9%), and English (9.6%). Notably, Lebanese (9.4%) Samoan (1.5%) and Vietnamese (2.1%) populations in Dallas exceed regional averages of 0.8%, 0.3%, and 1.9% respectively.

Dallas hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Dallas has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Dallas has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.6%). According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 15 to 24 has increased from 14.4% to 15.7%, while the age group of 25 to 34 has decreased from 15.2% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Dallas's age profile will change significantly. The strongest projected growth is in the 45 to 54 age cohort, with an increase of 43%, adding 335 residents to reach a total of 1,115.