Dapto

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Dapto is around 11,518, reflecting a 5.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 10,954 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 11,096 in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,558 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dapto's growth rate of 5.1% since the census is within 0.8 percentage points of the Rest of NSW (5.9%). Interstate migration contributed about 40.0% to overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable.

Based on these aggregations, the suburb is projected to grow by 1,559 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Dapto shows approximately 38 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 191 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home is around 1.1 per year between FY-21 and FY-25.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $350,000. In FY-26, $13.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Dapto has approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 37th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 85.0% houses. Dapto shows a developed market with around 456 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Dapto adding 1,137 residents by 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by local changes. Nine projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this area. Notable ones are WestPoint Dapto, Cleveland Road Upgrade - Stage 1 (Fowlers Road South), West Dapto Urban Release Area, and M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto.

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The labour market performance in Dapto lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Dapto's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.7% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent.

Compared to Regional NSW's 3.9%, Dapto's unemployment rate was 4.7% higher in December 2025. Workforce participation was similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 18.5% of residents worked from home.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.3%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% and labour force by 0.5%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for all jobs nationally. Applying these projections to Dapto's employment mix suggests local job growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Dapto had a median taxpayer income of $53,346 and an average income of $65,765. These figures are slightly below the national averages of $55,189 (median) and $71,298 (average). In Regional NSW, the median was $52,390 and the average was $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Dapto would be approximately $58,072 (median) and $71,592 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Dapto rank modestly, between the 25th and 34th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.3% of Dapto's population earns between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% fall within this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dapto, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile.

Dapto is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Dapto, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dapto stood at 35.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.1% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,880, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Dapto was $400, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Dapto's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,880 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 72.4% of all households, including 30.0% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (33.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Dapto has 90 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 54 routes, collectively facilitating 3,133 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 93%, with an average of 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 18.5% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 447 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Dapto 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 Dapto, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 53% of the total population (~6,098 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions in Dapto are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (10.4%), while 60.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,257 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Dapto ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dapto had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 83.9% of its population born in Australia and 91.9% being citizens. The majority spoke English only at home, comprising 92.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Dapto, accounting for 54.5%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestral groups were English (30.2%), Australian (29.4%), and Scottish (7.5%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, Macedonian (1.0%) and Maltese (1.2%) populations in Dapto exceeded their respective regional averages of 0.4% each.

Dapto's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Dapto's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but aligns with Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.3% of Dapto's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort constitutes 8.8%, lower than Regional NSW's figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 13.4% to 15.3% of Dapto's population between 2016 and 2021. During this period, the 35-44 cohort rose from 12.1% to 13.4%, while the 65-74 group decreased from 10.0% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Dapto's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching 2,134 people from the current 1,762. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.