Barcaldine

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Barcaldine is around 1,598, reflecting a 3.8% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,540 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Barcaldine's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.7%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors. AreaSearch adopts 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, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to this methodology, projections indicate a decline of 41 persons by 2041 in overall population, but growth is anticipated across specific age cohorts, led by the 25 to 34 age group with an expected increase of 33 people.

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

Barcaldine averages three dwelling approvals per year over the five-year period from 2016 to 2020, totalling 16 dwellings. This low development activity reflects its rural nature and specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to such low approval numbers.

Barcaldine shows significantly less construction activity compared to the Rest of Qld and is below national averages. Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are typical. There are an estimated 455 people per dwelling approval in Barcaldine, indicating its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, housing pressure should be reduced, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Barcaldine should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 3 projects likely to impact this region. Major initiatives include: Queensland Inland Road Network Upgrade, Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program, Outback Way Sealing Project - Queensland Section, and Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation. Below are details of 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.

Employment conditions in Barcaldine rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Barcaldine has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.0% as of AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data in December 2025. In this month, 873 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.0% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was at 68.1%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses in Barcaldine, only 13.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high representation with an employment share 3.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, retail trade is under-represented at 6.8% compared to Regional Qld's 10.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.1% and employment declined by 2.1%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Barcaldine. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Barcaldine's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Barcaldine had a median taxpayer income of $53,802 and an average of $65,065. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,914 (median) and $72,456 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 62nd percentile ($869 weekly), while household income is at the 35th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 34.0% of locals (543 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the broader area where 31.7% are in this bracket. Housing costs allow for retention of 91.3%, though 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). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barcaldine was at 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.2% and rented ones at 32.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Barcaldine was $200, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Barcaldine's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 comprise the remaining 36.3%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 19.5%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualified residents 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 them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high at 30.4%, with breakdowns of 14.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing 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.

Barcaldine's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Barcaldine residents have positive health outcomes.

Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are similar across age groups. Private health cover is 53% of the total population (~846 people), slightly above the average SA2 area. Asthma and arthritis are most common, affecting 8.8 and 8.2% respectively. 67.6% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Regional Qld (67.6%). Working-age health outcomes are typical. 21.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (343 people), higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank high nationally.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.6% of its population being citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Barcaldine is Christianity, accounting for 65.1%, compared to the regional average of 52.2%. In terms of ancestry, Australians comprise 34.1% of Barcalidine's population, significantly higher than the regional average of 26.5%.

English ancestry follows at 31.0%, with Irish at 8.4%. Notably, South Australian ancestry is overrepresented in Barcaldine at 0.9%, compared to the regional figure of 0.5%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry is also higher at 6.9% versus the regional average of 3.9%, and Russian ancestry stands at 0.5% compared to the region's 0.2%.

Barcaldine hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Barcaldine is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years, and well above Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 8.5% locally, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.3%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of children aged 0 to 4 has grown from 4.8% to 6.2%, and the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.6% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Barcaldine. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to expand by 26 people (12%), growing from 210 to 237. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.