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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Barcaldine has an estimated 1,593 residents, up from 1,540 at the 2021 Census — a change of 53 people, or 3.4%. Growth has averaged 0.5% 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
As of Aug 2026, the population of the suburb of Barcaldine stands at roughly 1,593 residents, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader regional ABS releases and 24 validated new addresses added following the Census. Compared to the 1,540 people recorded in the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 53 residents (3.4%), derived from the ABS ERP figures published in June 2025 alongside address tracking. The local population density is very low at 0.10 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable personal space. Expanding by 3.4% since the 2021 census, the suburb of Barcaldine outpaced the broader SA3 area (2.7%) to become a regional frontrunner in demographic expansion.
Natural increase was the primary catalyst, delivering around 48.0% of recent population additions, alongside supportive positive contributions from interstate and overseas migration. Projections for the area utilize ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 modeling published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented for unrepresented zones and post-2032 horizons by 2023 Queensland State Government figures based on 2021 numbers. Because state releases omit demographic breakdowns by age, proportional cohort weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region series (2022 baseline) are applied. Applying this framework to future demographic trajectories suggests a downward path for the suburb of Barcaldine, with total resident numbers forecast to drop by 24 persons by 2041. Despite this overall contraction, individual cohorts will expand, most notably the 25 to 34 age bracket, which is slated to gain 31 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
37 new dwellings have been approved in Barcaldine over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 4.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 1, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals allocated from ABS statistical collections indicate that Barcaldine has averaged approximately 7 new home permits each year, accumulating roughly 37 approved dwellings across the last 5 financial years, with 1 approvals documented to date in FY-25. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average annual influx of 1.2 new residents per approved home pointed to a well-balanced residential supply environment, though the pace quickened to 11 people per dwelling over the preceding 2 financial years, pointing toward heightened demand and possible building shortfalls. With an average expected construction cost of $274,000, new residential builds sit below typical regional benchmarks, providing relatively accessible pricing.
Meanwhile, non-residential construction activity remains subdued, evidenced by $6.9 million in commercial development approvals logged during the current financial year. On a per-capita basis, residential approvals in Barcaldine outstrip Rest of Qld by 107.0%, expanding options for purchasers even as recent building volumes have moderated. New construction has centered exclusively on single detached houses, maintaining the neighborhood's low-density profile and catering to households seeking standalone space. The prevailing metric of 1592 people per residential approval illustrates a calm, low-intensity property development landscape. Given that demographic forecasts point toward a steady or shrinking resident count, future construction demand pressures across Barcaldine should ease, creating advantages for homebuyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Barcaldine
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 42 current infrastructure and development projects close to Barcaldine, worth an estimated $25 billion. 12 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and energy. 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
Capital investments, public planning, and civil works play a defining role in shaping regional outcomes. AreaSearch has outlined 3 projects poised to influence the locality. Significant infrastructure programs comprise the Queensland Inland Road Network Upgrade, Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program, Outback Way Sealing Project - Queensland Section, and Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation, with key priorities detailed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Longreach Water Security for Growth
An $18.6 million project to upgrade five weirs along the Thomson River to increase water storage capacity and security for Longreach. The project includes rebuilding and raising weir walls by one metre, installing fish passages, replacing ageing water mains, and installing smart water meters to improve efficiency. The upgrades will provide additional 900 megalitres of storage and reduce water loss by 245 megalitres per year. Critical infrastructure for drought resilience and regional water security serving Longreach and surrounding communities including Ilfracombe.Funded by $7 million Queensland Government, $5 million Federal Government (National Water Grid Fund), and $6.6 million Longreach Regional Council.
Longreach Hospital Upgrade
An AUD10 million upgrade of the Longreach Hospital, which included the redevelopment of half the hospital, a full mechanical services upgrade, and a new Aramac Primary Health Centre. The project was completed in 2019.
Teal Street Affordable Housing Project
A Queensland Government Housing Investment Fund project delivering six new affordable dwellings (two three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom units) on Teal Street, Longreach, for low-income essential service workers. Managed by Longreach Regional Council and constructed by local contractor Neuendorf Constructions. Construction commenced in early 2025.
Longreach Recreational Precinct
A $2.25 million project funded by the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program. The project will include a new fenced dog park, a pump track, a half basketball court, a botanical walkway, and shaded playgrounds with all-abilities elements, complementing the existing skate park.
Longreach Solar Farm
A 17.4 MW solar photovoltaic project developed by Canadian Solar, which began commercial operation in May 2018. The project consists of 51,330 solar panels.
Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation
The Residential Activation Fund is a 2 billion dollar program aimed at accelerating housing supply by funding critical trunk infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater, and transport. At least 1 billion dollars is specifically earmarked for regional areas outside South East Queensland. Round 2 of the fund opened in early 2026, with funding announcements for successful projects expected from July 2026. The program targets construction-ready projects to fast-track the delivery of new homes.
Clermont Seniors Living Centre - Monash Lodge Precinct
Isaac Regional Council and Belyando Enterprise Network Inc are seeking approximately $2.993 million in government funding to refurbish the disused former Monash Lodge aged care building and deliver 12 independent seniors living units with 24/7 onsite management. Stage 1 proposes to reopen the vacant 16-bed (originally 20-bed) facility as flexible supported and independent living for older Clermont residents, enabling them to remain in their hometown rather than relocating to Emerald or Mackay. Council has committed an in-principle peppercorn lease ($1 per annum) to the successful operator.The project remains in the advocacy and funding phase with no confirmed government commitment secured as of mid-2025.
91 Gray Street Apartment Development
Small-scale residential apartment development featuring 11 modern residential units across 2 floors in Emerald's Central Highlands region. The project represents a modest urban infill development providing additional housing options in this regional Queensland mining and agricultural service center.
876 residents of Barcaldine are employed, from a labour force of 885. Unemployment sits at 1.0%, with participation at 69.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,327, about 83% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. 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 labour market in Barcaldine exhibits strong participation and low joblessness, registering an unemployment rate of 1.0% according to statistical area aggregations by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 876, holding the local jobless rate 2.9% under the Regional Qld figure of 3.9%, while labour force participation achieved an elevated 69.4% against 64.2% across Regional Qld. Census records indicate that 13.1% of workers carried out their duties from home, an outcome that may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions. Resident workers are primarily engaged in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety.
Agricultural, forestry, and fishing activities demonstrate intense local concentration, capturing a workforce share 3.4 times the regional proportion. In contrast, retail trade accounts for a smaller footprint, employing 6.8% of local workers versus 10.0% across the broader region. Discrepancies between resident counts and local Census workplace numbers suggest that employment opportunities within the immediate boundary remain constrained. Analysis of ABS and SALM series shows that across the 12 months leading to March 2026, the local labour force contracted by 1.2% while employment fell by 1.1%, leaving joblessness virtually unchanged. Over the identical timeframe, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% lift in employment and a 0.3% rise in the labour force, with the unemployment rate edging up 0.1 percentage points. National workforce modeling from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provides context for future industry demand. Across the country, employment is projected to grow 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with distinct variations across sectors. Applying these sectoral trajectories to Barcaldine's industry distribution indicates potential local job expansion of 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, representing an illustrative weighting calculation that excludes localized demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Barcaldine is $1,487 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $869 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,802 a year against an average of $65,065. 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
Taxation records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place earnings in the suburb of Barcaldine below nationwide averages. The suburb of Barcaldine recorded a median taxpayer income of $53,802 and a mean of $65,065, set against Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated earnings as of March 2026 reach approximately $59,914 for the median and $72,456 for the average. In the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings stood at the 62nd percentile ($869 weekly), whereas household earnings reached the 35th percentile.
Furthermore, 34.0% of residents (541 individuals) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional proportions of 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 91.3% of earnings, while disposable income sits at the 43rd percentile and SEIFA income status places the locality in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Barcaldine had 581 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 3% apartments. 23% are owned with a mortgage, 32% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,213 a month. Rent absorbs 13.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the last Census was overwhelmingly dominated by separate houses at 95.8%, with semi-detached, units, and other dwellings making up the remaining 4.2%, whereas Regional Qld recorded 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Outright property ownership in Barcaldine stood at an elevated 44.6%, substantially higher than regional norms, while mortgaged homes accounted for 23.2% and rental properties represented 32.2%. Financing and rental costs remain comparatively modest: median monthly mortgage payments were $1,213 and weekly median rent was $200, compared with Regional Qld figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively.
On a nationwide scale, local mortgage servicing is far below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are markedly lower than the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Barcaldine counted 581 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 82% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 63.7%, consisting of couples without children (30.8%), couples raising children (21.5%), and single-parent households (9.0%). Non-family living situations represent 36.3% of homes, predominantly single-person dwellings at 34.3% alongside group residences at 2.6%. The typical household comprises 2.2 people, which is slightly smaller than the 2.5 person average found across Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.5% of adults in Barcaldine hold a university qualification, including 15.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.0% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 83% of areas nationally. A further 30.0% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 241 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 905 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
Attainment of higher education qualifications in the locality trails the national standard, with 19.5% holding university credentials compared to 30.4% across Australia, presenting a clear target for future educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications represent 15.0%, graduate diplomas comprise 2.5%, and postgraduate degrees account for 2.0%. Vocational training constitutes a strong pillar of the local skill base, as 40.1% of citizens aged 15+ hold technical qualifications, comprising 10.1% with advanced diplomas and 30.0% with certificates. Engagement in formal study is substantial across the community, with 30.4% of the population attending an educational institution.
This educational cohort is distributed across primary schooling at 14.3%, secondary education at 8.8%, and tertiary level courses at 3.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Barcaldine means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 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
67.6% of residents in Barcaldine report no long-term health condition. 4.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Community wellness metrics in Barcaldine align closely with nationwide averages across mortality and condition frequency according to AreaSearch evaluations, demonstrating standard disease prevalence across older and younger cohorts alike, while private medical coverage stands slightly ahead of the typical SA2 at roughly 53% of all inhabitants (~844 people). Asthma and arthritis represent the most prevalent long-term conditions, affecting 8.8 and 8.2% of residents respectively, whereas 67.6% of the population reported no long-term illnesses, matching the 67.6% rate across Regional Qld. Health indicators among working-age individuals align with typical expectations. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 21.4% of the community (340 people), tracking above the Regional Qld level of 20.3%, with older age groups displaying particularly resilient health scores that rank higher nationally than the local overall average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Barcaldine is largely Australian-born, at 93.6% of residents, with 2.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.1%) and English (31.0%). 6.9% 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 homogeneity is pronounced in Barcaldine, where 85.6% of residents hold Australian citizenship, 93.6% were born domestically, and 97.2% communicate solely in English within the home. Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian, encompassing 65.1% of the local population compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at parental heritage, the leading reported backgrounds in Barcaldine are Australian (34.1% versus 26.5% regionally), English (31.0%), and Irish (8.4%). Specific population groups also show unique local representation levels, including Australian Aboriginal residents at 6.9% (compared to 3.9% regionally), South Australian ancestry at 0.9% (versus 0.5%), and Russian heritage at 0.5% (against 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Barcaldine is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 21.7% 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
Age distributions in Barcaldine parallel Regional Qld figures across broad demographics, with differences across the four main cohorts not exceeding 1.1 percentage points. As at August 2026, the estimated median age is 42, declining from 43 recorded at the 2021 Census, and remaining 1 year higher than the Regional Qld 2021 Census baseline of 41. Since the Census, the proportion of residents in the 45 - 64 age bracket decreased from 27.0% to an estimated 24.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, the 25 - 44 cohort is projected to experience the highest growth, gaining 26 residents (7%) to reach 423, whereas contractions are expected across children, young adults, and the middle-aged to young retiree groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Barcaldine
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 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 May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 24 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,540 at the 2021 Census → 1,593 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 Aug 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 (SAL30153). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.