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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Diddillibah statistical area (Lv2) is around 1,953. This figure represents a 14.7% increase from the 2021 Census population of 1,703 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 1,949, based on examination of the June 2024 ABS ERP data release and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 175 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro average (8.8%) and the national average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 with a 2021 data base. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort when utilizing state projections. Future population trends indicate a median increase just below national regional areas. By 2041, the Diddillibah (SA2) is projected to expand by 195 persons, reflecting a total increase of 2.4% over the 17-year period, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Diddillibah has experienced around 11 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 55 homes. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 3.1 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Commercial development approvals this financial year amount to $824,000, indicating minimal commercial activity.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Diddillibah's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. This results in around 224 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate Diddillibah will gain 46 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting the region: Bruce Highway Upgrade from Maroochydore Road to Mons Road, Summer Breeze Estate development, Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme, and Bli Bli Major Sport and Recreation Precinct. The following list details those 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

Diddilbah has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025870 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Diddilbah is lower at 57.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.8% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Diddilbah's labour force decreased by 2.8% while employment declined by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, the labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows that Diddillibah's median income among taxpayers is $46,947. The average income in the suburb is $58,906. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 suggest the median income would be approximately $51,599 and the average income around $64,744. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Diddillibah rank modestly, between the 25th and 30th percentiles. The income distribution shows that 23.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Economic diversity is evident in Diddillibah, with 31.9% facing financial constraints but 24.1% achieving substantial weekly earnings. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Diddillibah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. The level of home ownership was 50.8%, with 35.6% of dwellings mortgaged and 13.6% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330. Nationally, Diddillibah's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Diddillibah are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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

Diddillibah trail's educational qualifications lag behind Australian averages. 21.7% of its residents aged 15+ 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 prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (27.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes secondary education (10.8%), primary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

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

Transport analysis shows two active stops in Diddillibah using buses. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 108 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents typically 1787 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 54 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 among both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~987 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, while this figure is 0% across Rest of Qld. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (402 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.3% of its population born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 48.8% of Diddilbah's population. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.7% of the population compared to None% across the rest of Queensland.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups in Diddilbah were English at 34.3%, Australian at 29.0%, and Scottish at 9.2%. Notably, certain ethnic groups showed significant divergences: Russian was overrepresented at 0.5% (vs None% regionally), German at 5.3% (vs None%), and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs None%).

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

Diddillibah has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and above the national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.0% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 7.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.9% to 15.0%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 15.7% to 14.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Diddillibah's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, reaching 210 from 148. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.