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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Diddillibah is around 1,777, reflecting an increase of 74 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 4.3%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of five new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 159 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Diddillibah has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outpacing the Rest of Qld. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected by 2041, with the area projected to expand by 151 persons, reflecting an increase of approximately 8.5% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Diddillibah when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Diddillibah had around 11 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 55 homes. So far in FY26, 12 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 6.2 new residents arriving annually per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. Given this, demand exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new properties is $540,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $824,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining Diddillibah's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 239 people per dwelling approval, the area exhibits low-density characteristics. Population forecasts indicate Diddillibah will gain 151 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include the Bruce Highway Upgrade from Maroochydore Road to Mons Road in Brisbane, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics Horizon Centre, and the New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project. Additionally, the Summer Breeze Estate is also a relevant project.

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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025821 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.0%.

This is 2.0 percentage points higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Diddilbah is lower at 59.1% compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Diddilbah specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.8% compared to Regional Queensland's average of 4.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Diddilbah's labour force decreased by 4.5%, while employment declined by 4.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment grow by 0.7% and the labour force increase by 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insights into potential future demand in Diddilbah. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Diddillibah's median income among taxpayers is $46,947. The average income is $58,906. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $52,280 (median) and $65,598 (average). Census data reveals 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 - $2,999 annually. Economic diversity is evident 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. 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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Diddillibah with 93.8% being houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Diddillibah stood at 50.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 13.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Diddillibah was $330, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Diddillibah's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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 account for 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, which is larger than the Regional 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 Trail, 21.7% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 15.0% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 12.2%, while certificates make up 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

Transport analysis shows two operational public transport stops in Diddillibah. These are served by one route type, buses, offering 108 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is limited with residents located an average of 1787 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outwards, primarily by car (95%). Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, exceeding regional norms. According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 15 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 54 weekly trips per 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

Diddillibah's health indicators suggest below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% of Diddillibah's total population (~898 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (8.6%). About 66.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (373 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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 below 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, comprising 48.8% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.7% of Diddilbah's population compared to 0.8% across Regional Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.3%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.2%). There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Russian was overrepresented at 0.5%, German at 5.3%, and New Zealand at 0.9%.

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

Diddillibah's median age is 45, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 45-54 are particularly prevalent at 14.5%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 7.9% compared to Regional Qld. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.2%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 5.9% to 7.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 16.9% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Diddillibah's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 38%, reaching 194 from 140. However, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.