Barcaldine - Blackall

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

Barcaldine - Blackall's population was approximately 4,969 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 220 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported to be 4,749 people. This increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. The population density ratio is around 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Barcaldine - Blackall's growth rate of 4.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.5%. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.5% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration factors being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 based on 2021 data. However, state projections do not provide age category splits; thus proportional growth weightings are applied according to ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the area's population is projected to contract by 56 persons. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 102 people during this period.

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 around 50 homes. As of FY26, there have been 1 approval recorded so far. With an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, supply and demand appear balanced, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes is around $447,000.

This financial year has seen $22.4 million in commercial development approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Barcaldine - Blackall has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, these levels are below the national average, suggesting an established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 492 people per dwelling approval, the development environment is quiet and low activity. Given a stable or declining population expected in the future, housing pressure should remain relatively low, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include 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.

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.

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

Barcaldine-Blackall, as of September 2025, has an unemployment rate of 1.4%. It employs 2,741 residents with a participation rate of 62.5%, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

The area specialises in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment share at 7.4 times the regional level. Other leading industries include public administration & safety and health care & social assistance, although the latter has limited presence at 10.4% compared to the region's 16.1%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, with employment declining by 0.6%. Statewide in QLD, as of 25-Nov, employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%.

National employment forecasts suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barcaldine-Blackall's employment mix indicates potential local increases of 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Barcaldine - Blackall SA2 had lower than average income nationally. The median income was $50,026 and the average was $60,498. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Barcaldine - Blackall SA2 would be approximately $57,025 (median) and $68,962 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly), while household income sits at the 23rd percentile. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.5% of the community (1,465 individuals), which aligns with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing costs are manageable with 92.9% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 35th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 92.7% houses and 7.3% 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, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $910. The median weekly rent in the area was $157, slightly lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $160. Nationally, Barcaldine - Blackall's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, recorded as of 2021, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same period.

Barcaldine - Blackall features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, consisting of 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of Qld average.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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%, with 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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2484 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma, impacting 8.5% of residents, and arthritis, affecting 8.3%. A total of 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.5% across Rest of Qld. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1095 people), which is higher than the 20.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 has a cultural diversity index below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 69.5%, compared to 66.5% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (35.2%), English (31.7%), and Irish (8.7%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 4.8% (vs regional 4.6%), while Australian Aboriginal is underrepresented at 4.6% (vs regional 8.2%) and Scottish is slightly higher at 8.0% (vs regional 7.6%).

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

The median age of Barcaldine - Blackall is 45, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 15.0% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are smaller at 9.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 5.5% to 6.5%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 11.3% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Barcaldine - Blackall's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 16%, reaching 710 people from the current figure of 612. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 65-74 and 5-14 years old.