Barcaldine

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Barcaldine's population is estimated at around 1,618 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 78 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,540 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,601 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Barcaldine's 5.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 48.0% 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Barcaldine statistical area's population expected to decline by 21 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 35 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barcaldine, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Barcaldine has seen limited development activity over the past five years, with an average of three approvals per year totalling 15. This low level reflects its rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Barcaldine has less construction activity than Rest of Qld and is below national averages. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's rural character with emphasis on space. There are approximately 526 people per dwelling approval in Barcaldine, indicating its quiet development environment. Population projections show stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Barcaldine should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting the region: Queensland Inland Road Network Upgrade, Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program, Outback Way Sealing Project - Queensland Section, and Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Barcaldine performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Barcaldine has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.0% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In this month, 887 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stood at 61.6%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. The area specializes particularly in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.4 times the regional level.

Retail trade has a limited presence, employing 6.8% of residents compared to the regional average of 10.0%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, alongside a 0.7% employment decline, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, while unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years for Barcaldine, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Barcaldine had a median income among taxpayers of $53,802 and an average income of $65,065 in the financial year 2023. These figures are below those for Rest of Qld's, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $59,134 and $71,513 based on a 9.91% growth since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 62nd percentile ($869 weekly) and household income at the 35th percentile. In Barcaldine, 34.0% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 91.3% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 43rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Barcaldine's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 95.8% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barcaldine was 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.2% and rented ones at 32.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $910. Median weekly rent in Barcaldine was $200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $160 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Barcaldine's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,213 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Barcaldine features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.7% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 19.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.3% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Barcaldine is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Barcaldine faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~857 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly higher than the Rest of Qld at 49.2%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.8 and 8.2% of residents respectively. A total of 67.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.5% across Rest of Qld. As of 2019, 21.1% of Barcaldine's population is aged 65 and over (341 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Barcaldine placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Barcaldine had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 85.6% of its population being citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Barcaldine, accounting for 65.1% of the population, compared to 66.5% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.1%), English (31.0%), and Irish (8.4%).

There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: South African (0.9% vs regional 0.2%), Australian Aboriginal (6.9% vs 8.2%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.1%) were relatively more prevalent in Barcaldine compared to the rest of Queensland.

Barcaldine hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Barcaldine's median age is 43 years, which is higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 14.0% of Barcaldine's population, compared to the Rest of Qld figure. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort makes up only 10.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 0-4 age group has increased from 4.8% to 6.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Barcaldine's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 16%, adding 31 residents to reach a total of 231. However, population declines are forecast for the 65-74 and 45-54 cohorts.