Barcaldine - Blackall

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Barcaldine - Blackall's population is around 4921 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 172 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4749 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4912 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Barcaldine - Blackall's growth exceeded the SA3 area (2.7%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 42.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 87 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 104 people.

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

Barcaldine-Blackall has averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 50 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Based on an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, the supply and demand appear balanced, maintaining stable market conditions with new homes averaging $447,000 in construction cost value. This financial year has seen $22.4 million in commercial development approvals, indicating steady investment activity.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Barcaldine-Blackall's development levels per person are similar, reflecting a balanced market consistent with the broader area and suggesting established nature with potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers, as reflected by an estimated 492 people per dwelling approval. With population expected to remain stable or decline, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in Barcaldine-Blackall.

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

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones 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 labour market strength in Barcaldine - Blackall positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Barcaldine - Blackall has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.4%. There are 2,700 residents in work.

The unemployment rate is 2.7% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is 68.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. 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 shows 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 Regional Qld's 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, alongside a 2.0% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%. 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, though this is a simple weighting 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 ending June 2023 shows that in Barcaldine - Blackall SA2, median income is $52,976 and average income is $60,429. This is lower than national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $58,994 and average income $67,294 by that date. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly) and household income at the 23rd percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (1,451 people), similar to the broader area's 31.7%. Housing costs allow for retention of 92.9% of income, but disposable income ranks below average at the 35th percentile.

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

Barcaldine-Blackall's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barcaldine-Blackall stood at 48.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.3% and rented ones at 29.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $955, significantly lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655 and the national figure of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Barcaldine-Blackall was recorded at $157, substantially below Regional Queensland's $345 and the Australian average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high at 27.1%, comprising 13.7% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment 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 (~2,421 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld 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, while 67.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,120 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 69.5%, compared to the regional average of 52.2%. In terms of ancestry, Australian was the most represented group at 35.2%, followed by English at 31.7% and Irish at 8.7%.

Notably, German (4.8%), Australian Aboriginal (4.6%), and Scottish (8.0%) groups had higher representation in Barcaldine-Blackall compared to regional averages of 4.7%, 3.9%, and 7.8% respectively.

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

Barcaldine - Blackall has a median age of 45, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 14.5%, while those aged 15-24 make up only 9.1% of the population, compared to Regional Queensland. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.9%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has grown from 5.5% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.9% to 10.9%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Barcaldine - Blackall's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 13%, reaching 712 people from the current 632. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 65-74 and 5-14.