Delacombe

Delacombe lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, Delacombe's population is estimated at around 5,382, reflecting a decrease of 26 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 5,145 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, with an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 1,011 persons per square kilometer, relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 85% of overall population gains during recent periods. All drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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. Looking forward, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Delacombe in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas. The suburb is expected to increase by 4,308 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 75.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Delacombe was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Delacombe has averaged approximately 105 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 529 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26 to date. Each year, about 4.8 new residents have been arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This has resulted in demand significantly exceeding new supply, contributing to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average value of new dwellings developed is $392,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been approximately $20.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of Vic., Delacombe has 67.0% more building activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

This is significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings at 93.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 7.0%. This sustains the area's suburban identity, concentrated with family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 233 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Delacombe adding around 4,043 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 7 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Delacombe Village (Stage 3 - Delacombe Town Centre), Delacombe Village itself, the Delacombe Big Housing Build - Leawarra Neighbourhood, and Winterfield Estate. The following list outlines those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Delacombe are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Delacombe has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue-collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. According to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data, Delacombe's unemployment rate is 6.2%.

As of December 2025, 3,321 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Delacombe stands at 83.0%, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 11.6% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered when interpreting this figure. The employment profile in Delacombe shows concentration in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors.

Retail trade stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence in Delacombe with only 1.5% of residents employed in these sectors compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5% and employment decreased by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Delacombe's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years. These projections are based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and do not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Delacombe's median income among taxpayers was $42,239 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $48,690 during the same period. This compares to figures for Regional Vic., which were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,724 (median) and $52,707 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes in Delacombe fall between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 32.6% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,754 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 30.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally.

Delacombe is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Delacombe's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.8% houses and 9.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Delacombe stood at 34.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,365, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Delacombe was recorded at $310, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Delacombe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Delacombe has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 70.7% of all households, including 25.1% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 16.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional Vic. average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.8% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Delacombe has 30 operational public transport stops, served by two routes offering a total of 551 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 244 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, predominantly using cars (96%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 78 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Delacombe 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 Delacombe, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,485 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Victoria and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.3% and 10.5% of residents respectively. However, 57.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Victoria. The working-age population faces substantial health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Delacombe has 22.8% of its residents aged 65 and over (1,227 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligning with those of the broader population.

Delacombe is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Delacombe's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.8% of its population being Australian citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Delacombe, comprising 44.3% of the population. While Judaism is similarly represented in Delacombe (0.1%) and Regional Vic (0.1%), there are notable differences in ancestry representation: English (32.5% vs.

29.7%), Australian (31.3% vs. 28.6%), and Irish (9.0% vs. 8.4%). Dutch, Scottish, and Welsh groups show slight overrepresentation compared to regional averages: Dutch at 1.9% (vs. 1.7%), Scottish at 8.6% (vs. 8.8%), and Welsh at 0.6% (vs. 0.4%).

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

The median age in Delacombe is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional Victoria's average of 43 but closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Delacombe has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (17.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 14.4% to 17.1%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 10.8% to 12.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group decreased from 13.0% to 10.9%, and the 5-14 age group fell from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Delacombe's age structure, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 99% (adding 906 people), reaching a total of 1,827 from its current figure of 920.