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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.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Dalrymple has an estimated 3,925 residents, up from 3,754 at the 2021 Census — a change of 171 people, or 4.6%. Growth has averaged 0.7% 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
Based on demographic evaluations from AreaSearch, the population of Dalrymple stands at approximately 3,925 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 171 residents (4.6%) from the 3,754 individuals documented in the 2021 Census. The change is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 3,916 from June 2025 alongside 25 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the area has a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The 4.6% growth rate of Dalrymple since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (3.4%), making it a leading growth location within the region.
Natural increase was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 53.5% of the overall population rise in recent times, though positive gains were also recorded across interstate and overseas migration. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 area. For SA2 areas where this dataset is unavailable, or for periods past 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and anchored on 2021 data are substituted. Because the state projections omit age cohort breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings modeled on the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 using 2022 baseline data) for every age group. Future demographic patterns suggest a contraction in the overall population, with a projected reduction of 37 individuals by 2041 under this framework. Conversely, specific age brackets are expected to grow, particularly the 75 to 84 cohort, which is forecast to increase by 86 individuals. Refer to the age analysis for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
31 new dwellings have been approved in Dalrymple over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 1.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 8, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Annual home approvals in Dalrymple average approximately 6, culminating in a total of 31 residential approvals over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 8 approvals have been documented so far. With an average of 4.6 new residents added for every constructed residence over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, demand outstrips new supply, a dynamic that commonly drives upward price movements and intensifies competition among buyers, while new homes carry an average building cost of $390,000. Additionally, commercial approvals have reached $7.3 million this financial year, reflecting a modest focus on commercial real estate development.
Compared with the Rest of Qld, building activity per capita in Dalrymple is approximately three-quarters of the level, placing the area in the 20th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide, which suggests limited choices for prospective buyers and supports demand for existing properties. This volume is also lower than the national benchmark, indicating a mature market and highlighting potential constraints on development. Furthermore, new residential builds have consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the low-density profile of the locality with a focus on single-family homes that draw buyers looking for space. The ratio of 2158 people in the area for every single dwelling approval underscores the quiet, low-intensity nature of local building activity. Faced with projections of a stable or contracting population, housing pressure in Dalrymple may subside, leading to more favorable conditions for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Dalrymple
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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 10 current infrastructure and development projects inside Dalrymple, worth an estimated $139.4 billion. A further 56 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $150.6 billion. 28 are already under construction and 15 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. 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
Developments in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning schemes significantly impact regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 151 projects expected to influence the locality. Key initiatives include the Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers), Renew Charters Towers, Grand Secret Estate, and Goldtower Central, with the list below highlighting the most relevant projects.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Flinders Highway (Townsville - Torrens Creek) Pavement Strengthening and Rehabilitation (Package 1)
The scope of works for this project includes undertaking approximately 8km of pavement strengthening and rehabilitation works, in order to remedy failing and deteriorating pavements, and to improve access condition, safety and asset resilience on the section of the Highway between Townsville and Torrens Creek.
Big Rocks Weir project
Proposed weir project aiming to provide water security, located 26 km north of Charters Towers and 24 km upstream from Charters Towers Weir. Currently, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being prepared.
Queensland Inland Freight Route (Mungindi to Charters Towers)
Early works package underway as part of the overarching Inland Freight Route investment strategy, covering the segment from Charters Towers to Mungindi. This is a significant road infrastructure upgrade spanning nearly 1,200km, aiming to upgrade roads for better efficiency and safety, including widening and bridge enhancements, as an alternative to the Bruce Highway.
Renew Charters Towers
A Regional Place Activation Program initiative to revitalise the Charters Towers CBD by temporarily activating vacant shopfronts on Gill and Mosman Streets. The program allowed eligible creatives, startups, social enterprises and community groups to trial rent-free premises on a 30-day rolling licence, with insurance support via Renew Australia. The program aimed to increase foot traffic, support local business growth and help property owners secure long-term tenants. The program has now officially closed after receiving multiple expressions of interest.
Grand Secret Estate
Charters Towers' newest masterplanned residential development, comprising approximately 133 lots. Lot sizes range from 1500sqm to over 1ha, offering space for custom-built homes. Construction commenced in mid-2021, and it is located just 1km from the town centre.
Goldtower Central
A thriving commercial, light industrial, and retail precinct located on the Flinders Highway bypass in Charters Towers. The development features various business accommodation options, including Poppet Head Plaza for retail, and the Goldtower Industrial Estate. It aims to be a key commercial hub for North West Queensland.
Charters Towers Regional Council Planning Scheme
The planning scheme for the Charters Towers region, guiding development and land use. It outlines the policy direction for development and ensures that growth is managed sustainably.
Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance
Program of maintenance and rehabilitation works across Queensland's National Land Transport Network to reduce the significant backlog, improve safety, lift freight efficiency and strengthen network resilience. Focus includes pavement renewal, bridge and culvert repairs, drainage, and road safety treatments delivered under TMR's maintenance programs and QTRIP.
1,938 residents of Dalrymple are employed, from a labour force of 1,994. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 60.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.6% 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 workforce in Dalrymple is balanced between white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,938, while the unemployment rate remained 1.1% lower than the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld, and the workforce participation rate was slightly lower than typical benchmarks (60.5% in comparison to 64.3% in Regional Qld). According to Census responses, a moderate 23.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of past pandemic lockdown conditions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and education & training. The local concentration of jobs in agriculture, forestry & fishing is especially pronounced, running at 6.9 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 8.1% of the workforce, which is below the 16.1% average for Regional Qld. Although local jobs are available, a comparison of the Census working population against the local population suggests a significant portion of residents travel outside the area for employment. Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the latest 12-month period saw a contraction of 1.9% in the labor force alongside a 1.9% decline in total employment, which kept the unemployment rate virtually unchanged. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, the labor force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment tick upward by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia issued in May-25 offer additional context on future demand trends in Dalrymple. These five-year and ten-year national projections have been applied to the local workforce composition to model potential growth trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary widely by industry. Weighting these industry-specific trends against the employment base of Dalrymple indicates local employment could rise by 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted extrapolation for illustration and does not account for localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Dalrymple is $1,391 a week (about $72,000 a year), with median personal income at $720 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,587 a year against an average of $64,779. 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
According to AreaSearch's analysis of the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Dalrymple SA2 recorded a median income of $54,587 and an average income of $64,779. These figures fall below national averages and compare to median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes stand at approximately $60,788 (median) and $72,138 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 places household, family, and personal incomes in Dalrymple in a modest bracket, ranking between the 28th and 32nd percentiles.
Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 29.8% of residents (1,169 people), which aligns with the wider regional trend of 31.7% in this bracket. Housing costs remain manageable, with residents retaining 88.7% of their income, though disposable income levels are below average, sitting at the 34th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Dalrymple had 1,255 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 12% rented and 50% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,517 a month. Rent absorbs 14.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census data, the dwelling stock in Dalrymple is composed of 94.7% houses and 5.3% other formats like semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to Regional Qld where houses make up 76.4% and other formats represent 23.6%. Home ownership rates are high at 50.1%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (38.2%) or rented (11.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,517 is lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent stands at $200, compared to $345 in Regional Qld. On a national scale, mortgage payments in Dalrymple are considerably below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Dalrymple counted 1,255 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 25% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 73.1%, consisting of 30.1% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 8.3% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.9%, with single-person households representing 24.6% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, slightly larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.2% of adults in Dalrymple hold a university qualification, including 8.0% with a bachelor degree and 1.2% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 36.5% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 55 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 886 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
The region shows relatively low rates of higher education, with university qualification rates at 10.2%, which is well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a hurdle and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Vocational skills are highly prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (36.5%). Participation in study is relatively high, with 32.4% of the population enrolled in formal education programs.
This comprises 15.0% in primary schools, 11.0% in secondary schools, and 2.0% in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Dalrymple means driving: households keep an average of 2.0 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
70.6% of residents in Dalrymple report no long-term health condition. 4.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Dalrymple exhibits favorable health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness rates, with low rates of common health conditions observed across both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively low at approximately 51% of the population (~2,009 people). Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent chronic conditions in the locality, affecting 7.9% and 7.1% of residents respectively, while 70.6% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health profiles for working-age residents are generally typical.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 24.3% of the population (953 people), which is higher than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Seniors in the area display strong health outcomes, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Dalrymple is largely Australian-born, at 94.7% of residents, with 1.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.8%) and English (31.5%). 3.9% 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 diversity in Dalrymple is below average, with citizenship at 85.1%, Australian-born residents at 94.7%, and English-only speakers at home at 98.6%. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 65.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestral backgrounds (parents' country of birth), the three most common heritages in Dalrymple are Australian at 34.8% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English at 31.5%, and Irish at 10.3%. Notable variations occur among other ethnic ancestries: German heritage is represented at 4.3% in Dalrymple (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.9% (vs 3.9%), and Scottish at 8.1% (vs 7.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Dalrymple is 45, older than 78% of areas nationally. 19.6% 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 median age of 45 in Dalrymple is higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. The age distribution reveals a high concentration of residents in the 65 - 74 year age bracket (14.9%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (8.2%) than in Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 5.4% to 7.8% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group grew from 9.0% to 11.3%.
In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.5% to 10.7% and the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 15.8% to 14.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, projections indicate notable changes in the local age structure. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 23% (70 people) to reach 378 from 307. Combined, age cohorts over 65 will make up 63% of the total population growth, showing the aging trend of the area, while the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Dalrymple
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 10 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 25 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,754 at the 2021 Census → 3,925 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 May 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 (318011463). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.