Dalrymple

Dalrymple has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Dalrymple's population is around 3,957 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 203 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,754 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,881 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Dalrymple's 5.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 72.2% 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, 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 decline by 54 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 92 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Dalrymple has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 31 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $390,000. There have also been $7.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Dalrymple shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 20th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, 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 2135 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

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

Dalrymple has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 148 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers), Renew Charters Towers, Grand Secret Estate, and Goldtower Central, 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 employment environment in Dalrymple shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Dalrymple features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 1,956 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (61.7% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 6.9 times the regional average. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 8.1% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. 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, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.1% combined with employment decreasing by 0.6%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Dalrymple. 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 Dalrymple's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.7% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Dalrymple SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,587 with the average level standing at $64,779. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,997 (median) and $71,199 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Dalrymple, between the 28th and 32nd percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents (1,179 people), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 88.7% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 34th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Dalrymple, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.7% houses and 5.3% 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 Dalrymple was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 50.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.2%) or rented (11.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Dalrymple's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Dalrymple has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 73.1% of all households, comprising 30.1% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.9%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Dalrymple 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 (10.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (36.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.0% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Dalrymple is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Dalrymple demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see a low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,025 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.9% and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 70.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (939 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 Dalrymple placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dalrymple was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population being citizens, 94.7% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Dalrymple is Christianity, which makes up 65.4% 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 Dalrymple are Australian, comprising 34.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 31.5% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is represented at 4.3% of Dalrymple (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.9% (vs 3.9%) and Scottish at 8.1% (vs 7.8%).

Dalrymple hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 45, Dalrymple is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.0%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.4%) than in Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 11.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.4% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 10.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Dalrymple's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 20% (59 people), reaching 355 from 295. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.