Dunlop
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Dunlop's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 7,224 people. This figure represents a decrease of 41 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,265. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,296 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,001 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 69.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as the base, are adopted. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 1,037 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 55 to 64 age group, projected to expand by 152 people.

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

Dunlop has seen minimal dwelling approvals in recent years, totaling 1 home over the past five financial years. As of FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. Over the past five financial years (FY21 to FY25), an average of 37 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed, indicating demand significantly outpacing supply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $105,000, reflecting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $2.9 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dunlop has significantly less development activity. The scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though recent periods have seen an increase in development activity.

Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures in Dunlop, benefiting potential buyers.

Dunlop has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect this region: Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Wallaroo Solar Farm. The following details those most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Dunlop maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Dunlop's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year.

In Dunlop, 4,277 residents were employed by June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation was at 74.1%, slightly above the ACT's 69.6%. Key employment sectors included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Dunlop had a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employed only 8.6% of local workers, below the ACT's 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dunlop's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows Dunlop's median income at $69,014 and average income at $78,012. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $68,678 and average income of $83,634 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $78,400 (median) and $88,622 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Dunlop's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 90th and 91st percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 37.9% of residents (2,737 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort represents 34.3%. A substantial presence of higher earners is noted, with 38.5% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, and residents rank highly in disposable income at the 90th percentile nationally. 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 in Dunlop, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dunlop stood at 20.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (61.4%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Australian Capital Territory's average, while median weekly rent was $465, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Dunlop's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.1% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, 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's university qualification rate is 29.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 22.0%. Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (12.7%), secondary (9.4%), and tertiary (4.4%).

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 23 active transport stops operating within Dunlop. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There is 1 individual route operating, collectively providing 425 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Dunlop's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Dunlop's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical of the general population but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (4247 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.3% and 9.5% of residents respectively. 67.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. 10.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (723 people), which is lower than the 15.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Dunlop's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 21.5% of its population born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Dunlop, making up 48.8% of people, while Islam comprised 3.8%, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 3.3%. Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 27.9%, English 24.6%, and Other groups 11.6% of Dunlop's population.

Notably, Hungarian (0.4%) Croatian (0.9%), and Polish (0.9%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.8%, and 0.8% respectively.

Dunlop's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dunlop's median age is 37 years, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but in line with the national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 16.1% of Dunlop's population, compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.9%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 13.0% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 16.9% to 15.2%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 11.8% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Dunlop, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to increase by 112 people (13%), from 857 to 970. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.