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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Dapto is around 11,256. This figure reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,954 people in the area. The latest estimate, based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data from June 2025, is 11,208 residents. This results in a density ratio of 1,523 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the Census date, Dapto's population has grown by approximately 46 people due to validated new addresses. This growth rate of 2.8% positions Dapto within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.7%.

The primary driver behind this growth was interstate migration, contributing around 40.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is expected for locations outside capital cities. By 2041, the suburb of Dapto is projected to grow by 1,840 persons, representing a total increase of 15.9% over the 16-year period.

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 indicates that Dapto recorded around 38 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 191 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home is approximately 0.3 per year between FY21 and FY25, suggesting that supply meets or exceeds demand. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $350,000.

This financial year has seen $13.7 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW and nationally, Dapto shows lower construction activity per person, ranking among the 37th percentile of areas assessed. This reflects the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. New building activity comprises approximately 32% standalone homes and 68% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Dapto has around 452 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dapto is projected to add 1,792 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nine projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the area significantly. Key projects include West Dapto Urban Release Area, WestPoint Dapto, Cleveland Road Upgrade - Stage 1 (Fowlers Road South), and M1 Princes Motorway South-Facing Ramps at Dapto. 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 Dapto lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Dapto has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to regional NSW's 5.3%.

As of December 2025, 5,340 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 8.8%, showing a 0.6% increase from the previous year. The unemployment rate is 4.9% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 63.6%, slightly above Regional NSW's 60.5%.

Eighteen point five percent of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% while the labour force rose by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%. 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. Applying these projections to Dapto's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised 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 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 $58,917 (median) and $72,033 (average). Regional NSW's median and average incomes for that year were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes in Dapto are approximately $58,851 (median) and $72,552 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Dapto rank modestly, between the 25th and 34th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income brackets indicate that 34.3% of Dapto's population (3,860 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dapto, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

Dapto's dwelling structures, 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 was at 35.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.1%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,880, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent 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 constitute 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 comprise 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, 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 common, with 8.7% of residents holding these qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 43.5% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.7%, while certificates make up 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 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,133 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 93%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 18.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 447 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per 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 shows significant health challenges in Dapto, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups have notable health condition prevalence, with private health cover at approximately 53% of the total population (~5,960 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (10.4%), while 60.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population faces significant health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. Dapto has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,228 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for 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, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 83.9% of its population born in Australia and 91.9% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 92.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practised by 54.5%, slightly below Regional NSW's 55.9%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (30.2%), Australian (29.4%), and Scottish (7.5%). Notably, Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Macedonian (1.0% vs regional 0.4%), and Maltese (1.2% vs regional 0.4%) were overrepresented in Dapto compared to Regional NSW.

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

Dapto has a median age of 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.0% of Dapto's population, higher than Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 9.1%, which is lower. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.4% to 15.0%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort decreased from 10.0% to 9.1%. By 2041, Dapto's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 29%, adding 491 people and reaching 2,180 from 1,688. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age range is predicted to decrease by 11%.