Daylesford

Population growth drivers in Daylesford are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Daylesford's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 10,350. This figure represents an increase of 395 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,955. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: Daylesford's estimated resident population was 10,342 in June 2025 and there were 274 validated new addresses added after the Census date. This results in a population density of 11.2 persons per square kilometer. Daylesford's growth rate of 4.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.7%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 61.1% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Daylesford is expected to increase by around 885 persons, reflecting an 8.5% total increase over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Daylesford has recorded approximately 101 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 508 homes were approved, with an additional 50 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 1.4 new residents arrive per year for each new home built over these five years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand scenario, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new dwellings is $494,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $27.4 million have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity in Daylesford.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Daylesford has slightly more development activity, at 43.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Daylesford reflects a low density area, with around 111 people per approval. Looking ahead, Daylesford is expected to grow by approximately 877 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Daylesford has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No factor impacts a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Western Renewables Link, Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, X'Trapolis 2.0 Trains, and Melbourne Metro Tunnel - Rail Systems Alliance. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Daylesford ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Daylesford has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation and a low unemployment rate of 2.2%. As of December 2025, there are 5,155 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.5% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. The workforce participation rate is lower than the regional average (57.6% vs 61.0%).

According to Census responses, 34.4% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Daylesford has a strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Retail trade has limited presence with 7.5% employment compared to 9.9% regionally.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census population comparisons. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Daylesford's labour force decreased by 0.7%, alongside a 0.6% employment decline, keeping the unemployment rate stable. In Regional Vic., employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Daylesford's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Daylesford SA2 is just below the national average. The median income is $45,135 while the average income stands at $65,429. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,477 (median) and $71,723 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Daylesford, between the 23rd and 28th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 27.7% of the population (2,866 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. Housing costs are modest with 87.0% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 28th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Daylesford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Daylesford stood at 51.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 15.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Daylesford was $330, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Daylesford's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Daylesford features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 64.0% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 35.9% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Daylesford exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Daylesford, residents aged 15+ have higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. University qualifications are held by 34.6% of residents, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic and 24.6% in SA4 region. This gives the area a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 34.4% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificates (20.9%).

Furthermore, 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.5% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

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

Daylesford has 29 active public transport stops serviced by four routes offering 60 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to transport, typically living 1354 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily using cars (88%), with 8% walking. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, 34.4% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages eight trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 8 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Daylesford's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Daylesford shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues are seen across all ages, with arthritis and mental health affecting 10.1% and 9.2% of residents respectively. Around 62.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, at 30.6%, than the regional average of 23.9%. Despite this, health outcomes for seniors are strong and rank high nationally.

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

Daylesford's population was found to have low cultural diversity, with 87.4% being Australian citizens and 82.1% born in Australia. English is spoken exclusively at home by 93.3% of the population. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 36.0%.

Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to Regional Victoria, with 0.2% versus 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (30.5%), Australian (23.1%), and Irish (12.7%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is higher than average at 10.7%, as are Dutch at 1.8% and Hungarian at 0.4%.

Daylesford ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Daylesford's median age is 53, which is considerably higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional Vic., Daylesford has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (18.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.3%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.8% to 10.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 6.6% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.7%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 9.5% to 8.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Daylesford's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 37% (241 people), reaching 897 from 655. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.