Dalrymple

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

Dalrymple's population was around 3,925 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 171 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,754. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,916 in June 2025 and validated new addresses totalling 25 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Dalrymple's 4.6% growth rate exceeded the SA3 area's 3.4%, indicating it was a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.5% to overall population gains, with other factors such as interstate and overseas migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. According to this methodology, the area's population is projected to decline by 37 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group which is projected to expand by 86 people.

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

Dalrymple has experienced approximately six dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 31 homes were approved, with a further seven approved in FY26. On average, 3.9 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these five years.

This high demand exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $390,000. In FY26, there have been $7.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Dalrymple shows around 75% of the construction activity per person, and it ranks among the 20th percentile nationally for areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, preserving Dalrymple's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 2135 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With a stable or declining population expected, Dalrymple should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 151 projects potentially affecting the area. Key projects include Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers), Renew Charters Towers, Grand Secret Estate, and Goldtower Central. Below is a list detailing 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 employment environment in Dalrymple shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Dalrymple has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%. As of December 2025, 1,956 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Dalrymple is at 61.1%, slightly below Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census data, 23.6% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs significantly more residents than the regional average, with levels at 6.9 times higher.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 8.1% of local workers, lower than Regional Queensland's 16.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Dalrymple's labour force decreased by 0.1%, employment decreased by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Queensland recorded employment growth of 0.7% and a labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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 employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Dalrymple SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $54,587 and an average income of $64,779. This is below the national average. Regional Qld has median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Dalrymple are approximately $60,788 (median) and $72,138 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Dalrymple modestly, between the 28th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution shows 29.8% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,169 people), consistent with broader trends. Housing costs are manageable with 88.7% retained, but disposable income is 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Queensland had 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, below Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Dalrymple was $200, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Dalrymple's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Dalrymple faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (36.5%). Educational participation is high at 32.4%, comprising primary education (15.0%), secondary education (11.0%), and tertiary education (2.0%).

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 shows above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,009 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.9 and 7.1% of residents respectively. 70.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 24.3% of residents aged 65 and over (953 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's population, as of the latest census on 29th June 2016, was predominantly culturally homogeneous with 85.1% being Australian citizens, 94.7% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. The religious landscape showed Christianity as the majority religion, practiced by 65.4% of Dalrymple's population, compared to the regional average of 52.2%. Ancestral heritage was predominantly Australian (34.8%), higher than the regional average of 26.5%, followed by English (31.5%) and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 4.3% compared to the regional figure of 4.7%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry stood at 3.9%, matching the regional average, while Scottish heritage was present at 8.1%, slightly higher than the regional average of 7.8%.

Dalrymple hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Dalrymple has a median age of 45, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.9%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.2% compared to Regional Qld. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 7.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.0% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.5% to 10.7%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Dalrymple's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 378 people from 307. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% 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.