Diddillibah

Population growth drivers in Diddillibah are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Diddillibah's population is estimated at around 1,953 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 250 people (14.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,703 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,949, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 175 persons per square kilometer. Diddillibah's 14.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the suburb of Diddillibah expected to expand by 208 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Diddillibah when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Diddillibah has experienced around 11 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 55 homes. So far in FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 3.1 new residents arriving annually per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. Commercial development approvals this financial year total $824,000, indicating minimal commercial activity.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's low density character with a focus on family homes. There are around 224 people per dwelling approval in Diddillibah, showing a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Diddillibah will gain 52 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Diddillibah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch identified four projects potentially affecting the area: Bruce Highway Upgrade from Maroochydore Road to Mons Road, Summer Breeze Estate, Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme, and Bli Bli Major Sport and Recreation Precinct. The latter two are likely 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.

Diddillibah shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Diddillibah has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 875 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags at 56.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A moderate 17.2% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.8% versus the regional average of 4.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.7%, while employment declined by 1.8%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and the labour force grow by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Diddillibah's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows Diddillibah's median income among taxpayers was $46,947, with an average of $58,906. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Diddillibah would be approximately $51,599 (median) and $64,744 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Diddillibah rank modestly, between the 25th and 30th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 23.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Economic diversity is evident in Diddillibah, with 31.9% in constrained financial circumstances and 24.1% achieving substantial weekly earnings. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Diddillibah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Diddillibah was 50.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (13.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Diddillibah was $330, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

Diddillibah has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.7% of all households, including 34.8% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Diddillibah shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Diddillibah, 21.7% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.8% in secondary education, 10.0% in primary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Diddillibah has two active public transport stops, both of which operate buses. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 108 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents located an average of 1787 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Diddillibah's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 15 trips per day, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Diddillibah are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Diddillibah, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average, particularly among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~987 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.0 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 66.8% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (406 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges but ranking lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Diddillibah ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Diddilbah's cultural diversity was found to be lower than average, with 80.3% of its population born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Diddilbah, making up 48.8% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.7% compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 34.3%, Australian at 29.0%, and Scottish at 9.2%. Notably, Russian (0.5%) and German (5.3%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 4.7% respectively, while New Zealand remained consistent at 0.9%.

Diddillibah hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Diddillibah has a median age of 45, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that 14.8% of Diddillibah's population are aged 45-54 years, while only 8.2% are aged 25-34 years, compared to Rest of Qld. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the percentage of the population aged 15-24 has increased from 11.2% to 13.4%, while those aged 75-84 have risen from 5.9% to 7.4%. Conversely, the proportion of people aged 45-54 has decreased from 16.9% to 14.8%, and those aged 65-74 have dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Diddillibah's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, increasing from 160 to 212 people. However, population declines are expected for the 5-14 and 55-64 age cohorts.