Daylesford

Population growth drivers in Daylesford are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Daylesford is estimated at around 3,091 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 310 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,781 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,785 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 81 persons per square kilometer. Daylesford's growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.3%) and the Rest of Vic., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 305 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Daylesford when compared nationally

Daylesford has seen around 25 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 125 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved in FY-26 to date. Over these five years, about 1.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this figure decreased to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction value of development projects is $734,000. In FY-26, $6.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Daylesford's construction is 26.0% above the regional average per person over this period.

New development consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% townhouses or apartments. The location has approximately 105 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Daylesford adding 85 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.

Daylesford has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Western Renewables Link, Ballarat Line Upgrade, Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, and VNI West - Victorian Section.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Daylesford remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Daylesford has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, and there was a 1.6% employment growth in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, 1,352 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 56.2%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census data shows 31.1% work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include accommodation & food (2.8 times regional average), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.3%, compared to the region's 7.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on resident vs working population counts. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.6% alongside labour force growth of 1.6%, maintaining stable unemployment rates (AreaSearch analysis). This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s employment contraction and labour force decrease. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Daylesford's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to local employment mix.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Daylesford suburb has a median income of $44,718 and an average income of $65,812. This is lower than the national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates project median income to be approximately $48,407 and average income to be around $71,241 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, Daylesford's personal income ranks at the 31st percentile ($715 weekly), with household income at the 12th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 27.4% of residents earn between $400 and $799 weekly (846 residents), contrasting with the broader area where the highest earning bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 at 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 14th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Daylesford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.4% houses and 10.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Daylesford stood at 47.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.4% and rented dwellings at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Daylesford was $1,532, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Daylesford was $331, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Daylesford's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,532 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $331 compared to the national figure of $375.

Daylesford features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 55.9% of all households, including 13.8% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 44.1%, with lone person households at 40.4% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Daylesford exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Daylesford's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 35.5% have university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 24.6% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage positions Daylesford strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.6% and certificates at 18.1%.

A substantial 24.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Daylesford has three active public transport stops in operation. These are served by one route collectively offering ten weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically located 836 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential and most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 86%, while 12% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 31.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Daylesford is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Daylesford faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,633 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Rest of Vic's 50.5%. Mental health issues impact 9.8% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.5%. Conversely, 60.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Daylesford has 31.5% of residents aged 65 and over (973 people), higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally ranking in line with the national average for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Daylesford records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Daylesford's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, as 85.7% are citizens, 79.5% were born in Australia, and 90.3% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 35.8%. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, comprising 0.4% compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top ancestry groups are English (31.6%), Australian (19.5%, below regional average of 29.6%), and Irish (13.0%). Other ethnicities with notable differences include Scottish (11.9% vs 8.8%), Serbian (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Dutch (1.6% vs 1.7%).

Daylesford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Daylesford's median age in 2021 was 55 years, which is higher than Victoria's average of 43 years and older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The age profile showed that the 55-64 year-olds were particularly prominent at 19.9%, while the 5-14 year-olds were comparatively smaller at 6.9%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds was well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 5.6% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 year-olds declined from 8.2% to 6.9%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.2% to 12.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Daylesford's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly by 75 people (29%), from 259 to 335. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.