Dalrymple

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

Dalrymple's population, as of February 2026, is around 3,957 people. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,754 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,881 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Dalrymple's growth of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 72.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 54 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is 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 experienced approximately six dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 31 homes were approved, with a further three approved in FY26. On average, 3.9 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these five years.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $390,000. In this financial year, 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.

Nationally, it ranks among the 20th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely 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 in the future, Dalrymple may experience reduced housing pressure, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 148 projects likely impacting 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.

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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. As of September 2025, 1,980 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.1% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 62.5%, below Rest of Qld's 65.7%. 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 6.9 times the regional average but health care & social assistance is lower at 8.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Dalrymple's labour force decreased by 0.2% and employment by 0.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dalrymple's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In financial year 2023, Dalrymple SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $54,587 and an average income of $64,779. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,997 (median) and $71,199 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Dalrymple rank modestly, between the 28th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.8% of residents (1,179 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, consistent with broader trends across the area showing 31.7% in the same category. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dalrymple stood at 50.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.2% and rented ones at 11.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Dalrymple was $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Dalrymple's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's 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 account for 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 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 is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld 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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (36.5%). Educational participation is high at 32.4%, with 15.0% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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 show low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,025 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.9 and 7.1% of residents respectively. Seventy-point-six percent declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (939 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 had a cultural diversity index of 85.1%, with 94.7% born in Australia, and 98.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 65.4%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. Ancestry-wise, Australian (34.8%) and English (31.5%) were the top groups, with Irish at 10.3%.

Notably, German (4.3%), Australian Aboriginal (3.9%), and Scottish (8.1%) groups had varying representation compared to regional averages.

Dalrymple hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Dalrymple has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 15.0%, while those aged 25-34 constitute only 8.4%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 11.1%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.4% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.5% to 10.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Dalrymple's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 20%, reaching 355 from 295. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 68% of total population growth. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.