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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Daylesford has an estimated 2,781 residents. Density is about 73 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates for the wider region and recent address validations by AreaSearch since the Census, Daylesford's population is estimated to be approximately 2,781 in May 2026. This indicates no change in the number of residents since the 2021 Census, which registered 2,781 people. The figure is derived from the resident population of 2,780 estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level represents a density of 73 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for potential growth.
Daylesford's growth rate of exactly zero percent since the Census is within 2.7 percentage points of the broader SA3 region's 2.7% rate, showing solid underlying demographics. Recent population gains were mostly driven by interstate arrivals, who accounted for about 59.0% of the total increase. AreaSearch relies on ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. Where SA2 data is unavailable, projections are sourced from the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections, adjusted via weighted aggregation of growth from LGA to SA2 levels. The age cohort growth rates from these aggregations are also applied across all regions for the period from 2032 to 2041. Based on expected demographic trends, the population is projected to expand by 301 individuals by 2041, representing a 10.8% increase over the 16 years, which is just below the median rate for regional areas nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
121 new dwellings have been approved in Daylesford over the past five years, an average of 24 a year. That is 8.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 25 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 92% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that Daylesford averages approximately 24 new residential approvals annually, with a total of 121 homes approved during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 12 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Because only 0.4 new residents were added per built dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, supply is tracking ahead of demand, offering buyers more options and supporting the potential for faster population growth than projected. The average construction value of these new homes is $734,000, which indicates that developers are focusing on higher-end builds.
Additionally, commercial approvals worth $6.2 million were registered during this financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the locality. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, Daylesford exhibits slightly higher building activity, with approvals per person running 23.0% higher over the 5 year period. This supports buyer choice while maintaining steady demand for existing properties. Detached houses account for 92.0% of new residential construction, while medium and high-density housing makes up 8.0%, preserving the traditional low-density layout that appeals to families seeking space. The area averages approximately 105 residents per dwelling approval, confirming the low-density nature of the market. Demographic forecasts indicate that Daylesford will add 300 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. At current building rates, residential supply is well positioned to satisfy demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially supporting population growth that outpaces official projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Daylesford
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 29 current infrastructure and development projects close to Daylesford, worth an estimated $729 million. 10 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates are primary drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key regional projects include the Western Renewables Link, the Ballarat Line Upgrade, the Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, and the Victorian Section of VNI West, with details on those most relevant provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ambrosia Estate
A boutique residential land estate providing 65 premium homesites ranging from 2000sqm to 7856sqm, ideal for architectural homes in the Macedon Ranges, less than an hour from Melbourne.
Kyneton Recycled Water Irrigation Project
The project involves the construction of a 14-kilometre pipeline to distribute Class C recycled water from the Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant to local irrigators, enabling the reuse of 200-300 megalitres annually for agricultural irrigation, supporting regional agriculture, and improving environmental outcomes for the Campaspe River by reducing non-compliant discharges.
Kyneton on Riverside
Master planned neighbourhood on the south side of the Campaspe River with staged land releases. The estate offers walking access to Kyneton Station and town amenities with design guidelines and house and land packages available. Stages 6 and 14 are complete and titled, with ongoing sales in stages 10, 11, and 19.
Ballan Precinct 5 Residential Development
A $325m masterplanned residential community by Wel.Co spanning approximately 98.5 hectares (Precinct 5 in the Ballan Framework Plan). The development will deliver over 850 homes, generous open space, parks, playing fields, and connected walking paths. Planning Scheme Amendment C108 was officially approved by the Minister for Planning on 13 March 2026, rezoning the site to Neighbourhood Residential Zone Schedule 10 to address regional housing shortages.
Old Kyneton Primary School Redevelopment
Transformation of the former Kyneton Primary School into a creative and community precinct, featuring restored heritage bluestone building for gallery and exhibition spaces, a new contemporary entry building, transformed library for events, and revitalized grounds with 3000 new plants.
Kyneton Showgrounds Master Plan Implementation
Implementation of the Kyneton Showgrounds Master Plan, adopted by Council in March 2023, delivering upgraded netball and little athletics facilities. Little athletics facilities were relocated from the top oval to the bottom oval, including a new storage shed, discus cage and circle, shot put circles, and long jump/triple jump run-ups and pits, with works completed in July 2024. Netball upgrades are being delivered in two stages: Stage 1 is the redevelopment of the M.B. O'Sullivan Pavilion, adding two netball player change rooms, umpire change rooms, amenities, storage, first aid area, admin/office space, and an undercover spectator area, with completion expected by the end of 2025.Stage 2 is the construction of two new asphalt netball courts with LED floodlighting, perimeter fencing, and spectator seating, scheduled to begin late 2025 and conclude before the start of the 2026 netball season. The Victorian Government pledged up to 1.5 million dollars towards the netball facilities, with Council committing a further 1.3 million dollars.
Autumn Grove Estate
Residential land estate in Ballan, Victoria, offering 39 lots for new homes. Limited titled blocks remain. The estate is conveniently located near town amenities and transport links, including the V-Line service to Melbourne and Ballarat.
Ballan Library and Community Hub
A new, modern library and civic plaza officially opened in September 2025. The $7.25 million hub includes library services, youth and children areas, Maternal and Child Health services, an art exhibition space, a Visitor Information Centre, and community meeting rooms. The project was funded by the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund, the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, Moorabool Shire Council, and the Ballan and District Community Hospital. The facility was designed by Croxon Ramsay Pty Ltd.and constructed by AW Nicholson. It officially opened to the public on September 6, 2025.
1,314 residents of Daylesford are employed, from a labour force of 1,360. Unemployment sits at 3.3%, with participation at 54.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,290, about 82% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Daylesford has an educated workforce with strong representation in public services and an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, according to AreaSearch statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,314 locals are employed, representing an unemployment rate that is 0.4% lower than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%. However, participation in the labor force is low at 54.1%, compared to 61.1% across Regional Vic. Census data shows that a significant 31.1% of working residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns. The primary employment sectors for residents are accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.
The local workforce has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, which is 2.8 times higher than the regional average. In contrast, agricultural, forestry, and fishing industries employ only 2.3% of the workforce compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The comparison between the working population and local residents at the Census suggests a limited pool of local jobs. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated across statistical regions, the labor force shrank by 0.7% over the 12-month period, while total employment fell by 1.6%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.1%, the labor force declined by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points. Five and ten-year national forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context. These national projections, showing total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, vary by sector. Projecting these national industry trends onto Daylesford's current workforce suggests local employment could expand by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted extrapolation and does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Daylesford is $1,185 a week (about $62,000 a year), with median personal income at $715 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $44,718 a year against an average of $65,812. The average runs 47% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates that local incomes in Daylesford are slightly below national averages, with a median income of $44,718 and an average income of $65,812. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Accounting for a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $49,020 for the median and $72,143 for the average. Census data places individual income in the 31st national percentile, at $715 per week, and household income in the 12th percentile.
The most common weekly income band is $400 - 799, containing 27.4% of residents or 761 individuals, whereas the wider region has 30.3% of households in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs place heavy pressure on budgets, leaving only 84.8% of income after housing expenses, which ranks in the 14th percentile. The SEIFA income score places the suburb in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Daylesford had 1,264 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 0% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 27% rented and 47% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $331 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,532 a month. Rent absorbs 27.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 29.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the last Census, the housing mix in Daylesford consisted of 89.4% detached homes and 10.6% alternative dwellings like apartments or townhouses, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic. Outright home ownership in Daylesford was high at 47.1%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged at 25.4% or rented at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage cost was $1,532, and the median weekly rent was $331, both exceeding the Regional Vic. medians of $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Daylesford's housing costs are lower, with the Australian median mortgage at $1,863 and the median rent at $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Daylesford counted 1,264 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 1.9 people each. 14% are couples with children, fewer than in 95% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 40% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 55.9% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 13.8%, couples without children at 31.7%, and single parents at 10.2%. Non-family households represent the remaining 44.1%, dominated by single-person households at 40.4% and group shared households at 3.2%. The median household size is 1.9 residents, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
35.5% of adults in Daylesford hold a university qualification, including 21.7% with a bachelor degree and 8.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 18.1% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 799 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,045 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational qualification rates in Daylesford are higher than the broader region, with 35.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 24.6% in the SA4 area. This educational profile prepares the area well for professional and technical roles. Bachelor degrees are held by 21.7% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.2%. Technical training is also common, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 13.6% and certificates at 18.1%. A significant 24.2% of local residents are enrolled in formal study.
This student population includes 8.0% in primary schools, 6.3% in high schools, and 4.2% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Daylesford means driving: households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of transit options shows 3 active public transport stops in Daylesford. These stops are served by 1 routes, which provide a total of 10 passenger services per week. Overall transport accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 836 meters from the nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with 86% driving and 12% walking to work. Car ownership averages 1.1 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A significant 31.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.
Public transport services average 1 trip per day across all active routes, which translates to approximately 3 weekly services at each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
60.9% of residents in Daylesford report no long-term health condition. 7.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health trends in Daylesford show challenges based on AreaSearch analysis of local death rates and the rate of chronic illness, which affect both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area, with approximately 53% of residents, or around 1,470 people, holding policies. This compares to a rate of 50.5% across Regional Vic. Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most common diagnoses, affecting 9.8% and 9.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 60.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.
The working-age cohort has elevated rates of chronic illness, indicating notable health challenges. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 33.2% of the local population, or 923 residents, compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic. Overall health measures for seniors align closely with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Daylesford is largely Australian-born, at 79.5% of residents, with 9.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.6%) and Australian (19.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Daylesford's cultural diversity matches regional averages, with citizens representing 85.7% of the population, Australian-born residents making up 79.5%, and English-only speakers accounting for 90.3% of households. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 35.8% of the community. However, Judaism shows a notable local concentration, representing 0.4% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic. English ancestry is the most common at 31.6%, followed by Australian ancestry at 19.5%, which is lower than the regional average of 29.6%. Irish heritage is claimed by 13.0% of the population. Other represented backgrounds show variations, with Scottish ancestry higher than the regional average at 11.9% compared to 8.8%, Serbian at 0.4% compared to 0.2%, and Dutch ancestry at 1.6% compared to 1.7% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Daylesford is 55, older than 97% of areas nationally. 15.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Daylesford is 55 years, which is older than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. Residents aged 55 to 64 are highly represented at 19.5%, compared to a national rate of 11.2%, while children aged 5 to 14 represent a smaller share at 7.1% than is typical in Regional Vic. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 9.0% to 11.9%, and those aged 15 to 24 grew from 5.6% to 7.7%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age group declined from 9.1% to 7.8%, and the 5 to 14 group fell from 8.2% to 7.1%.
By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the cohort aged 85 and older will increase by 82 people, or 69%, rising from 119 to 202. Conversely, populations within the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Daylesford
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 75 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,781 at the 2021 Census → 2,781 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20721). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.