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

Dunlop's population was 7,265 as of May 2021. By May 2026, it had increased to around 7,282, a rise of 17 people (0.2%). This increase is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 7,282 in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. The population density was 2,017 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 63.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, also based on 2022 data. Projections indicate a population decline to around 6,298 by 2041, a decrease of 979 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 55-64 group are expected to grow by 108 people over this period.

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

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

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dunlop has significantly less development activity, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. However, there has been recent construction activity, though it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Dunlop should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

With 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 15thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), and Wallaroo Solar Farm. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Dunlop's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 4.8%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

As of December 2025, 4,166 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is 0.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Dunlop was 75.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The key industries employing Dunlop residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Notably, construction has a strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 8.6% compared to the regional average of 11.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. From December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels in Dunlop increased by 1.0%, while employment declined by 0.2%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. 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 increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Dunlop's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, assuming population projections remain constant for illustrative purposes.

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

The Dunlop SA2's median income among taxpayers was $72,712 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $80,242 during the same period. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory's median and average incomes were $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, current estimates for Dunlop SA2 would be approximately $80,303 (median) and $88,619 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes ranked in the 89th percentile nationally. Family incomes were also at the 89th percentile while personal incomes reached the 90th percentile. In Dunlop SA2, 37.9% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the national figure of 34.3%. Economic strength was evident with 38.5% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, indicating high consumer spending capacity. Housing expenses accounted for 14.7% of income. Residents' disposable incomes ranked in the 90th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dunlop was 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 $2,000, below the Australian Capital Territory average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $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 comprise 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 making up 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 prevalent 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.

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

Dunlop has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 115 different routes that together facilitate 8,423 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Dunlop is rated as good, with residents typically living within 230 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most people commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 1,203 trips are made daily, equating to around 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Dunlop's total population (4332 people) has private health cover, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.3% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Dunlop has 10.8% of its population aged 65 and over (787 people), lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally compared to 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's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.5% born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dunlop, comprising 48.8% of its population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented in Dunlop at 3.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.9%), English (24.6%), and Other (11.6%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Croatian is slightly higher than regional averages, with 0.9% in Dunlop compared to the region's 0.9%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Polish at 0.9% against 0.8%.

Dunlop's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dunlop's median age is 37 years, slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 15.8%, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.6%. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 13.0% to 15.0%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 16.9% to 14.5%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Dunlop. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to increase by 60 people (13%), from 481 to 542. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.