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 November 2025, Delacombe's population is estimated at around 5,609 people. This reflects an increase of 201 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,408. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,322 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of additional 142 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,054 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Delacombe has demonstrated resilient growth patterns over the past decade with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and overseas migration were also positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving 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 8,067 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 170.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Delacombe among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Delacombe averaged around 104 new dwelling approvals each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 521 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, approximately 4.9 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed.

This demand significantly exceeded new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average value of new dwellings developed was $392,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, there have been $2.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Delacombe had 70.0% more building activity per person as of recent periods, suggesting ample choice for buyers despite some moderation in development activity. This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area.

New development consisted of 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for space-seeking buyers. The location had approximately 314 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Delacombe is projected to add 9,535 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Delacombe has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects expected to influence the area. Notable projects include Delacombe Village (Stage 3 - Delacombe Town Centre), Delacombe Village, Delacombe Big Housing Build - Leawarra Neighbourhood, and Winterfield Estate. The following list details those 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 comprising white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.7% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.0% over the previous year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In June 2025, 3,001 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.9% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The majority of employed residents worked in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade being particularly notable at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence, accounting for only 1.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population counts. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.0%, while labour force increased by 6.3%, resulting in a rise of 0.2 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Delacombe's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

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

Delacombe's median income among taxpayers was $42,239 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $48,690 during the same period. These figures are below those of Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $47,375 as of September 2025. Estimated average income for the same period is around $54,611. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Delacombe fall between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 32.6% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly. 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.

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

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 Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Delacombe was at 34.8%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Delacombe was $1,365, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Delacombe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

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 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, with 9.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Delacombe Primary School and Lumen Christi School serve a total of 915 students. The area's ICSEA score is 994, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, while secondary options are available in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 30 operational stops in Delacombe, offering mixed bus services. Two routes serve these stops, facilitating 606 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically 244 meters from nearest stop.

Average service frequency is 86 trips daily, equating to about 20 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Delacombe is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Delacombe faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is low at approximately 46% (~2,590 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 50.9%, and the national average of 55.3%. 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 claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 62.3%. The area has an 18.6% senior population (1,043 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Delacombe had a cultural diversity index below average, with 89.8% being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.3%. Judaism's representation was slightly higher than the regional average, at 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.5%), Australian (31.3%), and Irish (9.0%). Some ethnicities had notable differences: Dutch at 1.9% compared to 2.1%, Scottish at 8.6% versus 9.2%, and Welsh at 0.6% against 0.5%.

Delacombe's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Delacombe is 37 years, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent, comprising 19.3%, while the 55-64 group is smaller at 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the median age decreased by 1.6 years from 39 to 37, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include the 25-34 age group growing from 14.4% to 19.3%, and the 35-44 cohort increasing from 10.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 11.2% to 9.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Delacombe, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 219% (adding 2,370 people) to reach 3,453 from an initial 1,082.