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 4,924 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 175 people (3.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,749 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,886 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Barcaldine - Blackall has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a -0.8% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 48.5% 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 56 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is 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 has averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 50 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $447,000. Additionally, $22.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Barcaldine - Blackall has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. This level is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Furthermore, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 492 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

With the 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Queensland Inland Road Network Upgrade, the Central Western Railway Line Maintenance Program, the Ilfracombe Heritage Precinct Development, and the Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 labour market strength in Barcaldine - Blackall positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Barcaldine - Blackall has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. As of December 2025, 2,700 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.7% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (68.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 7.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.4% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS 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. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Barcaldine - Blackall. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Barcaldine - Blackall's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Barcaldine - Blackall SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $52,976 while the average income stands at $60,429. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,226 (median) and $66,418 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly), while household income sits at the 23rd percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.5% of the community (1,452 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing costs are manageable with 92.9% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 35th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Barcaldine - Blackall, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Barcaldine - Blackall was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 48.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.3%) or rented (29.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $955, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $157, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Barcaldine - Blackall's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.1% of all households, comprising 24.6% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.0%).

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, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,422 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 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 an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 22.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,103 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Barcaldine - Blackall is Christianity, which makes up 69.5% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Barcaldine - Blackall are Australian, comprising 35.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 31.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.8% of Barcaldine - Blackall (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.6% (vs 3.9%) and Scottish at 8.0% (vs 7.8%).

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

At 44 years, Barcaldine - Blackall's median age is marginally above the Regional Qld average of 41 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.4%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (9.9%) than in Regional Qld. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.3% to 12.8% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Barcaldine - Blackall. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 13%, adding 79 residents to reach 710. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 cohorts.