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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Barcaldine - Blackall has an estimated 4,922 residents, up from 4,749 at the 2021 Census — a change of 173 people, or 3.6%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the population across Barcaldine - Blackall stands at roughly 4,922 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 173 people (3.6%) following the 2021 Census, when the headcount stood at 4,749 people. This adjustment is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population figure of 4,912 as of June 2025 alongside 87 validated new addresses recorded after the Census benchmark. Such numbers result in a residential density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing local residents with substantial physical space. Outpacing both the SA3 area (2.7%) and the wider SA4 region, the 3.6% gain logged in Barcaldine - Blackall since the 2021 census establishes it as an area pacesetter.
Natural increase served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 42.2% of total population additions over recent intervals, with all components, including overseas migration and interstate migration, delivering positive contributions. SA2 geographic modeling by AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. In instances where SA2 localities lack coverage, or for periods extending beyond 2032, figures reference Queensland State Government SA2 projections published in 2023 utilizing 2021 benchmarks. Because state datasets omit age-specific breakdowns, AreaSearch allocates proportional cohort weightings drawn from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Under this framework, demographic forecasts point toward an aggregate contraction, anticipating that the local population will decline by 86 persons by 2041. Conversely, select age segments are projected to expand, most notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is forecast to gain 98 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
50 new dwellings have been approved in Barcaldine - Blackall over the past five years, an average of 10 a year. That is 2.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential construction across Barcaldine - Blackall has generated approximately 10 new dwelling approvals per annum, totaling 50 homes sanctioned over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). With an addition of 2.6 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), underlying demand remains healthy for local real estate, while newly approved residential builds reflect an average expected construction cost of $485,000, mirroring broader regional benchmarks. In addition, commercial activity has seen $22.4 million in approvals granted during the present financial year, signaling moderate non-residential development momentum.
Per capita building volumes in Barcaldine - Blackall track closely with Rest of Qld, underpinning local market stability consistent with wider regional conditions. However, overall activity tracks below nationwide figures, underscoring the established footprint of the community and indicating potential planning constraints. Furthermore, recent building permits have consisted exclusively of detached houses, preserving a spacious low-density environment geared toward family residences. A ratio of approximately 700 people per dwelling approval further illustrates the subdued, steady pace of new local development. Given that demographic modeling points toward a static or receding population base, pressure on local residential demand is likely to ease, presenting favorable conditions for prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Barcaldine - Blackall
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Barcaldine - Blackall, worth an estimated $122 billion. A further 80 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $193.2 billion. 26 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Community momentum is heavily shaped by regional planning initiatives, infrastructure investments, and capital works. AreaSearch has pinpointed a total of 20 projects with the capacity to influence the surrounding region. Leading works comprise 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.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Scrubby Creek Sports Club Facility Upgrade
Development of a new 240m2 multi-purpose community recreation facility for the Scrubby Creek Sports Club. The approved plans include a bar, commercial kitchen, administration office, and fully lockable concrete floor area to support existing outdoor sports and community gatherings.
National Electricity Market: Renewable Energy Zone Expansions
Expanding Renewable Energy Zones to boost grid-scale renewable generation, addressing the Australian National Electricity Market's need for new energy sources as thermal facilities retire.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025 is a statewide strategic framework delivered by the Crisafulli Government to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy through 2035. Key initiatives include a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, a $400 million Energy Investment Fund, and a mandate for at least 2.6 GW of new gas generation by 2035. The Energy Roadmap Amendment Act 2025 establishes a QIC Investor Gateway, renames Renewable Energy Zones as Regional Energy Hubs, and supports transmission projects like CopperString.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
Released on 10 October 2025, the Queensland Energy Roadmap is the state government's five-year energy strategy targeting net zero by 2050 while operating state-owned coal assets to their technical life. Key initiatives include a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, a $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund, and the delivery of the CopperString 330kV Eastern Link. Planned capital expenditure stands at $6.7 billion for the 2025-26 period.
Queensland Inland Road Network Upgrade
An early-stage proposal to upgrade inland Queensland roads, improving safety, productivity, and addressing issues like flooding and deteriorating infrastructure to support regional communities and freight movement.
Central Western Railway Line Maintenance Program
Ongoing Queensland Rail maintenance, track renewal, drainage, bridge and asset improvement works along the Central Western railway corridor serving Ilfracombe and surrounding communities. The program supports freight, passenger and tourism services and continues as part of Queensland Rail's rolling network maintenance and possession program.
Ilfracombe Heritage Precinct Development
Enhancement of the Historic Precinct including Folk Museum, Oakhampton Cottage, Romani Hall and connections to Wellshot Centre. Tourism infrastructure development to showcase local heritage and the Great Machinery Mile attraction.
Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program
Queensland Government program delivering improved digital connectivity across Central and Western Queensland to support remote communities, businesses, education, telehealth and government services. The initiative forms part of the state's broader digital infrastructure strategy, with multiple regional connectivity projects progressing through construction and delivery alongside Commonwealth co-investment programs.
2,724 residents of Barcaldine - Blackall are employed, from a labour force of 2,762. Unemployment sits at 1.4%, with participation at 69.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Barcaldine - Blackall features an even distribution across white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple industries, accompanied by an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 1.4%. A total of 2,724 residents were actively employed as of March 2026, keeping the local jobless rate 2.5% below Regional Qld's 3.9%. Furthermore, labour force engagement remains notably elevated at 69.3%, compared to 64.2% across Regional Qld. Census records also show that 22.2% of workers performed their duties from home, though pandemic-related movement restrictions during that period may have influenced this outcome.
Local workforce participation is heavily concentrated within agriculture, forestry & fishing, public administration & safety, as well as health care & social assistance. Specialization is particularly pronounced in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the local employment proportion is 7.4 times the regional level. By contrast, health care & social assistance accounts for a smaller footprint locally at 10.4% compared to 16.1% regionally. Comparing Census workplace records against resident counts suggests that while local roles exist, a significant segment of workers travels outside the area for employment. Analysis conducted by AreaSearch using SALM and ABS figures indicates that during the year to March 2026, the labour force shrank by 0.9%, with employment falling by the same 0.9% amount, resulting in a relatively stable unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.1%, a labour force increase of 0.3%, and a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Projections from Jobs and Skills Australia for national employment, dated Mar-26, provide context for anticipated future demand in Barcaldine - Blackall. These forecasts span both five-year and ten-year horizons and were overlaid with local employment data to estimate regional growth trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral growth varies considerably. When applied to Barcaldine - Blackall's current employment composition, these industry-level estimates imply local employment could rise by 5.1% over five years and by 11.3% over ten years. It is important to note that this calculation is a basic weighted extrapolation meant for illustrative use and does not incorporate localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Barcaldine - Blackall is $1,341 a week (about $70,000 a year), with median personal income at $808 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,976 a year against an average of $60,429. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxation records compiled by AreaSearch from the ATO for financial year 2023 place personal earnings in the Barcaldine - Blackall SA2 below nationwide averages. The median taxable income among local taxpayers reached $52,976, while average earnings stood at $60,429, relative to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated figures are estimated at approximately $58,994 (median) and $67,294 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly earnings at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly), whereas household remuneration tracked at the 23rd percentile.
In terms of earnings distribution, the largest cohort includes 29.5% of residents (1,451 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the regional proportion of 31.7%. Accommodation expenses remain contained, with households retaining 92.9% of income, though disposable earnings sit lower at the 35th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Barcaldine - Blackall had 1,816 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 2% apartments. 22% are owned with a mortgage, 30% rented and 48% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $157 a week and the median mortgage repayment $955 a month. Rent absorbs 11.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the most recent Census, the local housing inventory in Barcaldine - Blackall was composed of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional Qld's breakdown of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Outright property ownership reached 48.0%, substantially exceeding regional levels, while remaining residences were divided between mortgaged properties (22.3%) and rental accommodation (29.7%). Median monthly mortgage expenses in the locality stood at $955, considerably below Regional Qld's $1,655, while weekly median rent reached $157 compared to the regional figure of $345. On a national scale, local monthly mortgage obligations remain markedly under the Australian standard of $1,863, with rental costs tracking substantially below the $375 national midpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Barcaldine - Blackall counted 1,816 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent 65.1% of all local domestic setups, comprised of 24.6% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.9%, where lone person households make up 32.7% and group households represent 1.9%. The area records a median household size of 2.3 people, which is slightly smaller than the 2.5 persons observed across Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.6% of adults in Barcaldine - Blackall hold a university qualification, including 11.3% with a bachelor degree and 1.4% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 95% of areas nationally. A further 29.0% hold a vocational qualification. 10 schools serve the area, with 608 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 909 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary attainment levels highlight educational challenges within the locality, with 14.6% of residents holding university credentials relative to the 30.4% recorded across Australia. Attainment is led by bachelor degrees at 11.3%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.9% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.4%. Conversely, technical and vocational training shows considerable strength, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.0%). Participation in study remains elevated, as 27.1% of local residents are actively pursuing formal educational courses. This group consists of 13.7% attending primary schools, 7.1% in secondary schooling, and 2.7% undertaking tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Barcaldine - Blackall means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.5% of residents in Barcaldine - Blackall report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch reviews of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, health conditions present measurable challenges locally across both younger and older demographics, while private health insurance uptake is comparatively constrained at roughly 49% of the population (~2,421 people). This uptake tracks beneath Regional Qld at 52.5% as well as the Australian benchmark of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 8.5 and 8.3% of the community respectively, while 67.5% of residents reported having no medical ailments, closely matching the 67.6% recorded across Regional Qld. Chronic illness remains more frequent among working-age individuals.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 22.9% of the population (1,127 people), surpassing the 20.3% share in Regional Qld, with seniors in the district recording notable health outcomes that outperform nationwide averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Barcaldine - Blackall is largely Australian-born, at 94.6% of residents, with 1.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (35.2%) and English (31.7%). 4.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural homogeneity is prominent in Barcaldine - Blackall, where Australian citizens comprise 88.9% of the populace, 94.6% were born in Australia, and 98.2% speak only English within the home. Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian, encompassing 69.5% of residents in Barcaldine - Blackall compared with 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestral background based on parental birthplaces, the primary heritages in Barcaldine - Blackall are Australian at 35.2% (exceeding the regional benchmark of 26.5%), English at 31.7%, and Irish at 8.7%. Further distinct community representations include German ancestry at 4.8% (against 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 4.6% (against 3.9%), and Scottish heritage at 8.0% (compared to 7.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Barcaldine - Blackall is 44, older than 78% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 21.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of Barcaldine - Blackall aligns broadly with Regional Qld patterns, showing a maximum variance of 2.6 percentage points across age cohorts. The current median age is estimated at 44, shifting down from 45 at the 2021 Census, which compares to 41 across Regional Qld and 38 nationally at that same Census. The most noticeable demographic adjustment since the Census appears in the 45 - 64 bracket, declining from 27.7% to an estimated 25.0% of the community. Looking ahead to 2041, residents aged 25 - 44 are projected to drive net demographic additions, expanding by 81 residents (7%) to reach 1,275, while middle-aged to mature adult segments, children, and younger cohorts are anticipated to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Barcaldine - Blackall
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 87 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,749 at the 2021 Census → 4,922 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (315031408). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.