Barcaldine - Blackall

Barcaldine - Blackall has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Barcaldine-Blackall's population was around 4,924 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase from 4,749 people recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a rise of 175 individuals (3.7%). This change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 4,886 in June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stood at 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Barcaldine-Blackall exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of -0.8%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.5% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Between now and 2041, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 56 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25-34 age group projected to increase by 102 people.

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

Barcaldine-Blackall averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 50 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Historically, an average of 1.9 new residents per year has been associated with each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the area's housing market, which is stable and sees new homes built at an average expected construction cost value of $447,000.

In terms of commercial development, $22.4 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Barcaldine-Blackall has similar levels of development per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area and falling below the national average, suggesting an established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity comprises entirely detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 492 people estimated per dwelling approval, the area has a quiet development environment.

Given expected population stability or decline, Barcaldine-Blackall should experience reduced housing pressure, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Barcaldine - Blackall has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include the Queensland Inland Road Network Upgrade, Central Western Railway Line Maintenance Program, Ilfracombe Heritage Precinct Development, and Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Barcaldine - Blackall places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Barcaldine - Blackall has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.4%. The area's unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is at 69.6%, compared to the Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 22.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 7.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 10.4% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, with a 0.6% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, the Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barcaldine - Blackall's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Barcaldine - Blackall SA2 has lower income compared to national averages. The median income is $52,976 and the average is $60,429. In contrast, Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,226 (median) and $66,418 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly), while household income is at the 23rd percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, which aligns with the broader area at 31.7%. Housing costs allow for 92.9% retention, but disposable income is below average at the 35th percentile.

Barcaldine - Blackall is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Barcaldine - Blackall, as per the latest Census, 96.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barcaldine - Blackall stood at 48.0%, with mortgaged properties at 22.3% and rented ones at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $955, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in the area was $157, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Barcaldine - Blackall's mortgage repayments were significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Barcaldine - Blackall features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Barcaldine - Blackall faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.7% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Barcaldine - Blackall is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Barcaldine - Blackall faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,422 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.5% and 8.3% of residents respectively. A total of 67.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,103 people), higher than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Barcaldine - Blackall placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Barcaldine-Blackall's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens and 94.6% born in Australia. English is spoken exclusively at home by 98.2%. Christianity is the predominant religion at 69.5%, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (35.2%), English (31.7%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, German ancestry is slightly higher at 4.8%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.6%, and Scottish at 8.0%.

Barcaldine - Blackall hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Barcaldine-Blackall's median age is 44 years, which is slightly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile reveals that the 55-64 year-old group makes up a significant portion at 14.4%, while the 15-24 year-old group is relatively smaller at 9.9% compared to the rest of Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.8% of the population, while the 0-4 cohort has risen from 5.5% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecasted for Barcaldine-Blackall. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 13%, adding 79 residents to reach a total of 710. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 age cohorts.