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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Dunlop has an estimated 7,282 residents. That puts 2,017 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Dunlop's resident count stands at approximately 7,282 as of May 2026, according to AreaSearch's evaluation. This indicates a minor addition of 17 people (0.2%) from the 7,265 individuals documented in the 2021 Census. The calculation combines the ABS estimated resident population of 7,282 for June 2025 with address validation data collected since the census. The local density reaches 2,017 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level observed across locations examined nationwide. Natural growth served as the primary driver of expansion, contributing to about 63.9% of all population increases recently.
Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, issued in 2024 using 2022 as a starting point, are used for SA2 areas. For any SA2 regions without this coverage, and for the years after 2032, age group growth figures are drawn from ACT Government projections referencing a 2022 baseline. Under this model, future demographic patterns point to a population contraction, with the local cohort anticipated to shrink by 979 persons by 2041. Conversely, expansion is anticipated within particular age brackets, led by the 55 to 64 range which is expected to grow by 108 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Only 1 dwelling approval has been registered in Dunlop over the last five years. This highlights a mature suburb offering scarce space for new home construction. This lack of fresh inventory tends to underpin demand for existing housing and can help maintain stable pricing. Dunlop shows significantly lower building activity when compared to Australian Capital Territory overall. This sparse addition of new homes generally reinforces demand and pricing for established residences, despite a speed up in construction activity during recent years. The current pace also sits below national averages, highlighting the suburb's mature state and pointing to potential zoning or planning restrictions.
Given that the population is projected to stabilize or contract, Dunlop will likely experience less pressure on its housing inventory, which could open up favorable options for prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Dunlop
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Dunlop, worth an estimated $950 million. A further 6 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $11.4 billion. 6 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, environmental & disaster management and precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified 3 projects likely to influence the area. The key developments include Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), and Wallaroo Solar Farm, with the subsequent list outlining the most relevant items.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Macnamara Residential Estate
Macnamara is the second residential suburb in the Ginninderry Joint Venture, a 6 Star Green Star community on the western edge of Belconnen. Delivered by Suburban Land Agency and Riverview Developments, the suburb will deliver approximately 1,800 homes on land bordering the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor, with views to the Brindabella Mountains. Multiple land stages are actively selling as of 2025-2026, with blocks from 540sqm priced from $615,000. A local retail centre is planned for 2027 (subject to approval) and Strathnairn Early Childhood and Education Centre is partially opening in 2026.
Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation
Major upgrade and expansion of Macgregor Primary School at Hirschfeld Crescent, Macgregor ACT, delivering new learning hubs, additional classrooms, and improved playground facilities. The project is driven by growing enrolments from adjacent new residential developments including The Valley Ponds and the broader Ginninderry estate. The ACT Education Directorate and Infrastructure Canberra are delivering the works, with completion targeted for 2026.
The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages
Final residential stages of the established Macgregor suburb in Belconnen, delivering over 400 new homes in The Valley Ponds precinct. The estate is adjacent to Ginninderra Creek and the future Ginninderry conservation corridor and pond network, offering a mix of block sizes with connections to open space and green corridors.
Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+)
Canberra's largest master-planned community spanning the ACT-NSW border in West Belconnen, delivering approximately 11,500 dwellings across four suburbs over 30-40 years on a 1,600-hectare site. Over 37% of land is set aside as a conservation corridor along the Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek. Two suburbs are underway: Strathnairn (909 occupied dwellings as of early 2025) and Macnamara (13 occupied, 11 under construction). A primary school opens 2026, and the first local shopping centre is targeted for 2027.Certified as a 6-Star Green Star Community.
Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre Bioreactor Upgrade
Icon Water is renewing the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre by building new bioreactors and supporting infrastructure, including membrane bioreactor technology, fine screening, membrane tanks, chemical dosing, blowers, waste-activated sludge management and non-potable water systems. The upgrade will increase wastewater treatment capacity to 97 ML per day, support Canberra's population growth, and help protect the Molonglo River. As of April 2026, earthworks and excavation for the new bioreactor foundations are in progress, with concrete foundation pours expected from July 2026.
Kippax Fair Expansion and Redevelopment
Major redevelopment and expansion of Kippax Fair shopping centre in West Belconnen, delivering a completely new mixed-use precinct across two stages. The project will triple retail floor space, adding a new full-line Coles and expanded Woolworths alongside the existing Aldi. Plans include approximately 180 new dwellings (including 24 affordable and public housing units) built as shop-top housing, 450 underground car parks, a 6,000sqm park, a community hub, skate park, and indoor and outdoor dining. The ACT Government finalised a direct land sale agreement with owners the Christodoulou family in August 2024, with a $12 million community infrastructure commitment.A development application was expected to be publicly notified by mid-2025.
Ginninderry Masterplanned Community - Strathnairn & Macnamara
Ginninderry is a cross-border masterplanned community in West Belconnen delivered by the ACT Government and Riverview Group joint venture. Planned to accommodate 30,000 residents across approximately 11,500 dwellings over a 37-year period, the project spans the ACT and NSW border. The first suburb, Strathnairn, is substantially developed with over 2,700 residents as of early 2025. The second suburb, Macnamara, is actively under development with approximately 300-400 lots released annually. Key recent milestones include the opening of Strathnairn School (programmed for the 2026 school year), multi-unit site releases in Strathnairn Village adjacent to the future retail centre, and ongoing single residential lot releases.The community is forecast to reach approximately 5,000 residents by 2028. The project incorporates a 6 Star Green Star sustainability rating, conservation corridor management along the Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek, and the SPARK employment program.
4,178 residents of Dunlop are employed, from a labour force of 4,391. Unemployment sits at 4.9%, with participation at 75.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,217, about 72% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and a strong representation in critical services, alongside a 4.9% unemployment rate and stable job numbers over the past year. In March 2026, 4,178 citizens were employed, with the jobless rate tracking 0.8% above the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation reached an elevated level of 75.9% compared to the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 70.8%. Census data indicates that only 10.6% of workers operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local citizens are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. There is a prominent local concentration in construction, with its employment share tracking at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles are less common at 8.6% of the workforce compared to the regional figure of 11.1%. The area remains mostly residential and appears to provide few local employment options, as shown by the difference between working residents and local jobs. AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local labour force grew by 1.0% while employment dipped by 0.4%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Over the same span, Australian Capital Territory recorded a 0.3% rise in employment alongside a 1.1% increase in the labour force, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point increase. Regional employment forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on expected demand changes in Dunlop. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce distribution to project future trends. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with distinct variations across different sectors. Applying these industry projections to the local mix suggests Dunlop's workforce will grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, using a simple weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate localized population shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Dunlop is $2,503 a week (about $130,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,176 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $72,712 a year against an average of $80,242. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates that Dunlop SA2 is among the highest earning areas in Australia. The median taxpayer income is $72,712 and the average income is $80,242, compared to $72,206 and $85,981 for Australian Capital Territory. Adjusting for a 10.44% Wage Price Index increase since financial year 2023 suggests current figures of roughly $80,303 for the median and $88,619 for the average in March 2026. The 2021 Census places Dunlop's household, family, and personal incomes in the 89th to 90th national percentiles. In terms of distribution, 37.9% of residents (2,759 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is close to the regional share of 34.3%.
Financial capacity is highlighted by 38.5% of households earning more than $3,000 weekly, which supports high consumer spending. Housing costs represent 14.7% of income, while disposable income ranks in the 90th percentile and the SEIFA score places the area in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Dunlop had 2,424 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 1% apartments. 61% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 20% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $465 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month, a total housing cost higher than 86% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 18.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data shows Dunlop's housing stock consists of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other options like townhouses and apartments, compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings in Australian Capital Territory. Home ownership in Dunlop was lower than the Australian Capital Territory average, standing at 20.3%, with 61.4% of homes under mortgage and 18.3% occupied by renters. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,000, which is below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, while the median weekly rent was $465 compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of $450. On a national scale, Dunlop's mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Dunlop counted 2,424 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.9 people each. 45% are couples with children, more than in 89% of areas nationally, against 23% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 81.1%, consisting of 44.8% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 12.9% single parents. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.9%, with single-person households at 16.7% and group homes at 2.0%. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
29.3% of adults in Dunlop hold a university qualification, including 18.1% with a bachelor degree and 7.4% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 79% of areas nationally. A further 22.0% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational challenges are present locally, as the university qualification rate of 29.3% is notably lower than the SA4 regional average of 46.8%. This gap highlights a clear opportunity for targeted academic programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 18.1%, followed by postgraduate studies at 7.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Technical training is highly represented, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 22.0%. A significant proportion of the population participates in education, with 33.6% of residents enrolled in study. This includes 12.7% attending primary schools, 9.4% in high schools, and 4.4% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Dunlop reaches 22 stops on 115 routes, timetabled for about 8,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local network identifies 22 public transport stops in Dunlop, consisting of bus services. These stops support 115 routes that deliver 8,423 passenger trips each week. Transport access is good, with residents living an average of 230 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers travel outside the area, with private cars remaining the primary option at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars per household, exceeding regional norms. A relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census which may reflect pandemic conditions.
Service frequency averages 1,203 trips per day across the network, which translates to roughly 382 weekly trips at each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.6% of residents in Dunlop report no long-term health condition. 4.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Assessments of mortality rates and chronic illness indicators suggest Dunlop faces notable health difficulties. Common ailments are widely recorded, showing much higher rates among older age brackets. The rate of private health insurance coverage is high at roughly 60% of the population (4,332 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Asthma and mental health issues represent the most common diagnoses, affecting 10.3 and 9.5% of residents. Meanwhile, 67.6% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age citizens show higher than average rates of chronic illnesses.
The area features a relatively low proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 10.8% (787 people), compared to 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the rest of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Dunlop is largely Australian-born, at 78.5% of residents, with 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.9%) and English (24.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Dunlop has an above average level of cultural diversity, with 21.5% of residents born outside Australia and 20.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 48.8% of the local population. Islam shows the most notable relative concentration, accounting for 3.8% of residents compared to 3.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Australian heritage was claimed by 27.9% of the population, followed by English ancestry at 24.6%, and Other backgrounds at 11.6%. There are minor differences in other ethnic groups, with Croatian ancestry recorded at 0.9% of Dunlop (matching the 0.9% regional rate), Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Polish at 0.9% (compared to 0.8% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Dunlop is 37. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 25.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Dunlop is 37 years, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and comparable to the national average of 38. The 45 - 54 bracket represents 15.8% of the population, which is a higher share than in Australian Capital Territory, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 10.6%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 13.0% to 15.0%, and the 55 to 64 group increased from 10.4% to 12.3%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.9% to 14.5% and the 35 to 44 cohort dropped from 16.9% to 15.0%.
Projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 65 to 74 group expected to grow by 60 people (13%) from 481 to 542. The combined 65+ age brackets will account for 73% of overall population growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts will see their numbers decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Dunlop
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Apr 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Apr 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (7,265 at the 2021 Census → 7,282 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801011006). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.