Delacombe

Delacombe lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Delacombe's population is around 14,802 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 4,141 people (38.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,661 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,350 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2,250 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 433 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Delacombe's 38.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic. (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 85.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, 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, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national regional areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 18,326 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 120.2% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Delacombe was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Delacombe has seen around 571 new homes approved per year, with 2,856 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 169 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $234,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $41.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Delacombe has 362.0% more development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though construction activity has eased recently. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 43 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Delacombe will gain 17,795 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Delacombe has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 34 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Delacombe Village (Stage 3 - Delacombe Town Centre), Delacombe Village, Winterfield Estate, and Delacombe Big Housing Build - Leawarra Neighbourhood, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Delacombe has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Delacombe has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,241 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (67.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.3% versus the regional average of 7.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.4% combined with employment decreasing by 0.5%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Delacombe. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Delacombe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Delacombe SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Delacombe SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,537 and the average income stands at $60,059, which compares to figures for Regional Vic.'s of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,871 (median) and $65,014 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Delacombe, between the 43rd and 43rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 39.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,861 residents), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Delacombe is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Delacombe, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Delacombe was lagging that of Regional Vic., at 27.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (46.2%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Vic. average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Delacombe's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Delacombe features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 74.6% of all households, comprising 30.7% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Delacombe shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.1%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (30.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 36 active transport stops operating within Delacombe. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 556 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 558 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 79 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Delacombe is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Delacombe, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,238 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.8% and 10.3% of residents, respectively, while 64.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 11.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,628 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Delacombe was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.1% of its population being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Delacombe is Christianity, which makes up 41.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.8% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Delacombe are Australian, comprising 31.0% of the population, English, comprising 30.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.9% of Delacombe (vs 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 8.3% (vs 8.8%) and Maltese at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Delacombe's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 31, Delacombe is materially younger than the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and well below Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 23.6% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 6.1%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the median age has decreased by 1.9 years from 33 to 31, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.5% to 23.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.1% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 8.2% to 6.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 9.6% to 7.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Delacombe's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 147% (5,124 people), reaching 8,621 from 3,496.