Dunlop

Dunlop is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dunlop's population is around 7,296 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 31 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,265 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,296 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,021 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dunlop's 0.4% growth since the census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 69.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 1,037 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to expand by 152 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Dunlop according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Dunlop has seen only 1 residential development approval in the past five years. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may be primarily among existing homes.

Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Dunlop has significantly less development activity. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though construction activity has intensified recently. This activity remains below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Dunlop should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Dunlop has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Wallaroo Solar Farm, 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.

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

Dunlop possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,166 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (76.0% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 8.6% versus the regional average of 11.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Dunlop. 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 Dunlop's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Dunlop SA2's income level is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Dunlop SA2's median income among taxpayers is $72,712 and the average income stands at $80,242, which compares to figures for the Australian Capital Territory of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $79,445 (median) and $87,672 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Dunlop, between the 89th and 90th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.9% of the community (2,765 individuals), mirroring the region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. Economic strength emerges through 38.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 90th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Dunlop is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Dunlop, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Dunlop was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 20.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (61.4%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Dunlop's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Dunlop features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 81.1% of all households, comprising 44.8% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Dunlop shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (29.3%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (22.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 22 active transport stops operating within Dunlop, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 115 individual routes, collectively providing 8,423 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 382 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Dunlop is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Dunlop faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,341 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.3% and 9.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 10.6% of residents aged 65 and over (771 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Dunlop was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dunlop was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.5% of its population born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Dunlop is Christianity, which makes up 48.8% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 3.8% of the population, compared to 3.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Dunlop are Australian, comprising 27.9% of the population, English, comprising 24.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 0.9% of Dunlop (vs 0.9% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%) and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.8%).

Dunlop's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dunlop's median age of 37 years is slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35, though essentially aligned with the 38-year national average. The 45 - 54 age group shows strong representation at 15.9% compared to the Australian Capital Territory, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.0%. Since 2021, residents have aged by 1.0 years on average, with the median rising from 36 to 37. Key changes show the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 10.4% to 12.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 16.9% to 14.8% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Dunlop. The 65 to 74 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 12%, adding 54 residents to reach 513. Senior residents (65+) will drive 72% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.