Dalrymple
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Dalrymple's population was approximately 3,940 as of August 2025. This represented an increase of 186 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,754. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,881 in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Dalrymple's growth rate exceeded that of the SA3 area (3.7%) during this period, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 72.2% of overall population gains, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 were adopted. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Demographic trends indicated a decline in overall population over this period, with a projected decrease of 54 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts were expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which was projected to expand by 92 people.

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

Dalrymple has averaged approximately six dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 31 homes approved over the past five financial years (between FY2021 and FY2025), with none yet in FY2026. On average, 3.9 new residents have been added per year for every home built over these five years. This significant supply-demand gap typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new dwellings developed at an average cost of $590,000.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $7.3 million, reflecting Dalrymple's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Dalrymple shows around 75% of construction activity per person, placing it in the 20th percentile nationally, indicating limited housing choices and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average activity suggests an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining Dalrymple's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated 2135 people per dwelling approval, the area has a quiet development environment. Given expected population stability or decline, housing pressure in Dalrymple should remain relatively low, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Dalrymple has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 149 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers), Renew Charters Towers, Grand Secret Estate, and Goldtower Central. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

While Dalrymple retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.1%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Dalrymple has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, heavily represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%.

As of June 2025, there are 1992 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 0.8% below Rest of Qld's 3.9%, and workforce participation similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly notable, with employment levels at 6.9 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance employs only 8.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Dalrymple's labour force decreased by 2.2%, employment decreased by 3.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% during the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, with a state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dalrymple's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Dalrymple's median income among taxpayers was $52,918 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $63,563 during the same period. These figures are slightly below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of March 2025 would be approximately $59,115. The average income is estimated to reach around $71,006 by the same date. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Dalrymple rank modestly, between the 28th and 32nd percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution data shows that the majority of residents, 29.8% or 1,174 people, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket. This is consistent with broader trends in the area, where 31.7% of residents also fall into this income category. Despite manageable housing costs, with 88.7% of income retained, disposable income remains below average at the 34th percentile.

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

Dalrymple's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dalrymple was 50.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.2% and rented ones at 11.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213. Median weekly rent in Dalrymple was $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $202. Nationally, Dalrymple's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $200 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 73.1% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.9%, comprising 24.6% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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 at 10.2%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents 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 are prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (36.5%).

Educational participation is 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. Dalrymple's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 55 students while demonstrating varied educational conditions across the area. The four schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (1.4 places per 100 residents vs 21.1 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Dalrymple's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Dalrymple's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~2017 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.9%) and asthma (7.1%). Around 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in Rest of Qld. Approximately 23.0% (~907 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 24.3% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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's population, as of 2016 Census data, showed low cultural diversity with 85.1% citizens, 94.7% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 65.4%, compared to 70.7% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.8%, regional avg: 27.4%), English (31.5%, regional avg: 25.6%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notable differences included higher German representation at 4.3% (regional avg: 3.5%), lower Australian Aboriginal at 3.9% (regional avg: 8.1%), and higher Scottish at 8.1% (regional avg: 6.8%).

Dalrymple hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Dalrymple has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.7%, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 8.6% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.9%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.4% to 7.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.5% to 11.4%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 15.8% to 14.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Dalrymple's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 355 people from 278. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.