Diddillibah

Diddillibah 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 Nov 2025, the population of Diddillibah is estimated at around 1,770 people. This reflects an increase of 67 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,703 people. AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 5 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 159 persons per square kilometer in Diddillibah. Over the past decade, from 2012 to 2022, Diddillibah has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outpacing non-metro areas. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For years post-2032 and areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a population increase just below the median of national regional areas by 2041, with Diddillibah expected to expand by 170 persons, reflecting an increase of 11.5% in total over the 17 years from 2024 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Diddillibah had around 7 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 37 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 4.6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates demand exceeding supply, potentially leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new properties was $540,000. In the current financial year, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity.

All new constructions were detached dwellings, maintaining Diddillibah's traditional low density character appealing to families seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 447 people. Future projections estimate Diddillibah will add 204 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Diddillibah has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the area significantly. These include the Bruce Highway Upgrade from Maroochydore Road to Mons Road, the Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme, the Summer Breeze Estate, and the Bli Bli Major Sport and Recreation Precinct. The following list provides details on those most likely to be 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.

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

Diddilbah has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025884 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 57.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a lower representation at 1.8% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Diddilbah's labour force decreased by 2.5%, while employment declined by 0.7%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 1.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Diddilbah. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Diddilbah's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Diddillibah's median income among taxpayers was $46,947, with an average of $58,906. Both figures are below the national average. The Rest of Qld had a median of $50,780 and an average of $64,844 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Diddillibah would be approximately $53,515 (median) and $67,147 (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 the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (417 individuals), which aligns 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 6th 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 held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had no houses or other dwellings recorded at the same Census date. Home ownership in Diddillibah stood at 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented dwellings at 13.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's figure for the same period. Median weekly rent in Diddillibah was $330, while Non-Metro Qld had no recorded rents. Nationally, Diddillibah's median monthly mortgage repayment exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 reported for 2015-16 financial year, and its median weekly rent figure fell below the national average of $375 for the same period.

Diddillibah has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.6 people

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 constitute 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.

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

Educational qualifications in Diddillibah trail regional benchmarks. 21.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common (15.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 27.7%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (10.8%), primary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (3.7%). Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating in Diddillibah, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by one individual route, collectively offering 122 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1787 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 61 weekly trips per stop.

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

Diddillibah faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which numbers around 894 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point eight percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% across the rest of Queensland. Twenty point seven percent of residents are aged 65 and over, numbering approximately 366 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Diddilbah had low cultural diversity, with 80.3% born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 48.8%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 0.7%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld.

Top ancestry groups were English (34.3%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). Notably, Russian (0.5%) was overrepresented compared to regional figures. Similarly, German (5.3%) and New Zealand (0.9%) had higher representation than the region's None%.

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

Diddillibah's median age is 45, which is higher than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are prominent at 15.1%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 7.6% compared to the rest of Queensland. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 16.9% to 15.1%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 15.7% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Diddillibah's age structure. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 54% (72 people), reaching 207 from 134. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.