Daylesford

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

Daylesford's population is estimated at around 2,781 as of May 2026, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation. This figure reflects no change since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,781 people. The stable population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,780 residents using ERP data from June 2025 and 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 73 persons per square kilometer. Daylesford's 0.0% growth positions it closely to the SA3 area's 2.7% growth, indicating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration drove recent population gains, contributing approximately 59.0%.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Daylesford is expected to grow by just below the median of national regional areas, with an increase of 301 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.8% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Daylesford recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates that Daylesford has experienced approximately 25 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 125 homes have been approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 0.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five financial years.

The new supply appears to be keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new dwellings is approximately $734,000, suggesting that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $6.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Daylesford records somewhat elevated construction levels, at 27.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice with support for current property values. The new development consists of approximately 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 103 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, show Daylesford adding around 300 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, 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 changes can significantly influence a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Western Renewables Link, Ballarat Line Upgrade, Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, and VNI West - Victorian Section. The following list details those projected 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.

While Daylesford retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Daylesford has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,303 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Daylesford lags at 53.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 31.1% doing so according to Census responses. Leading employment industries include accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Daylesford has a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.3% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 1.8% and employment declined by 2.0%, keeping unemployment rate relatively stable at 3.0%. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell to 3.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Daylesford. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Daylesford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 shows median income in Daylesford suburb is $44,718 and average income stands at $65,812. This compares to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $49,020 and average income is $72,143 as of March 2026. Census data indicates personal income rank at the 31st percentile ($715 weekly) and household income at the 12th percentile. Income brackets show 27.4% of residents (761 people) fall within the $400 - $799 bracket, unlike broader area trends where 30.3% are in the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income rank places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Daylesford, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted on 28 August 2016, consisted of 89.4% houses and 10.6% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Victoria's figures of 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 the area was $1,532, exceeding Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Daylesford was recorded at $331, compared to Regional Victoria's $285. Nationally, Daylesford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 44.1%, with lone person households at 40.4% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Regional 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 exceeds broader standards. Among residents aged 15+, 35.5% hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 24.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (18.1%). A significant 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.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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 currently operating. These are served by one route collectively offering ten weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered limited with residents typically located 836 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation 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 be influenced by 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 across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,470 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.8% and 9.5% of residents respectively. 60.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Daylesford has a higher proportion of seniors at 33.2%, or 923 people, compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

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 its broader region, with 85.7% citizens, 79.5% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 35.8%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (31.6%), Australian (19.5%), and Irish (13.0%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 11.9% in Daylesford versus the regional average of 8.8%. Serbian and Dutch ancestries also show slight overrepresentation at 0.4% and 1.6%, respectively.

Daylesford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Daylesford's median age is 55 years, which is higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 55-64 year-olds comprise 19.5%, while those aged 5-14 make up only 7.1%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.0% to 11.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 5.6% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 9.1% to 7.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 8.2% to 7.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Daylesford's age structure will shift significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to rise substantially by 69%, increasing from 119 to 202 people. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.