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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 1,598 residents, up from 1,540 at the 2021 Census — a change of 58 people, or 3.8%. Growth has averaged 0.6% 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
According to ABS population figures compiled for the broader region alongside recently validated addresses compiled by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Barcaldine has an estimated residency of 1,598 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 58 people (3.8%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 1,540 individuals. This shift is derived from the resident population of 1,598 calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 25 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level yields a density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, which ensures substantial space for each resident.
The 3.8% increase in the suburb of Barcaldine since the 2021 census outpaced the 2.7% growth of the SA3 area as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population gains were chiefly fueled by natural growth, accounting for approximately 48.0% of total growth, though all contributors including overseas and interstate migration remained positive. AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 SA2 projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia based on a 2022 baseline. For SA2 territories not covered by these datasets, or for periods past 2032, projections released by the Queensland State Government in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Because these state figures omit age cohort details, AreaSearch allocates proportional growth weightings using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections with a 2022 baseline. Demographic projections for the suburb of Barcaldine point to an upcoming decrease in overall residency, with the population expected to contract by 41 persons by 2041 under this framework. On the other hand, certain cohorts should expand, particularly the 25 to 34 age bracket, which is expected to gain 33 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
26 new dwellings have been approved in Barcaldine over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 3.3 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
An evaluation of building approvals from ABS compiled by AreaSearch indicates that Barcaldine averages approximately 5 new dwelling approvals each year, with a total of 26 homes authorized over the prior 5 financial years. In the current FY-26, 1 approvals have been logged. Supply and demand seem aligned, producing stable conditions, with an average of 1.7 people moving to the area for every constructed dwelling during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25. This ratio has recently eased to 1.2 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, pointing to a more balanced market.
New residential builds carry an average value of $365,000. In addition, commercial approvals have reached $6.9 million this financial year, emphasizing the residential focus of the area. Barcaldine experiences 55.0% more development activity per person than the Rest of Qld, offering buyers a broader selection of properties. However, this rate is below the national average, indicating a mature market and highlighting potential planning constraints. Recent construction is composed solely of detached houses, maintaining the historical low-density profile of the neighborhood and catering to family buyers looking for space. The area demonstrates low-density features, with approximately 177 people per dwelling approval. As the population is projected to stabilize or contract, Barcaldine should experience less housing pressure, which could open up favorable options for prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Barcaldine
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| 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
Changes in infrastructure, major projects, and local planning policies exert a significant influence on regional development. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 projects that are expected to impact the local community. Key developments include the Queensland Inland Road Network Upgrade, the Central Queensland Digital Infrastructure Program, the Outback Way Sealing Project - Queensland Section, and the Residential Activation Fund - Central Queensland Allocation, with details provided on those most relevant to the area.
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.
881 residents of Barcaldine are employed, from a labour force of 890. Unemployment sits at 1.0%, with participation at 68.7%. 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 1,330, 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
Barcaldine features a capable workforce with strong representation in critical service industries and an unemployment rate of only 1.0%, according to compiled AreaSearch statistics. In March 2026, there were 881 employed residents, while the unemployment rate was 2.9% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%. Participation in the labour force stands at 68.7%, compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census responses show that a modest 13.1% of local workers operated from home, though this figure reflects historical pandemic lockdown measures. Local employment is largely concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and public administration & safety.
The workforce shows a pronounced concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, representing 3.4 times the regional proportion. Meanwhile, retail trade is underrepresented at 6.8% compared to the regional rate of 10.0%. A comparison between the Census working population and resident population suggests limited local employment opportunities. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for broader areas, the year leading to March 2026 saw a 0.9% decrease in the labour force and a 0.9% drop in employment, maintaining a steady unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld recorded a 0.1% rise in employment and a 0.3% increase in the labour force, with unemployment ticking up by 0.1 percentage points. Long-term employment forecasts published in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further indications of future demand in Barcaldine. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to local industries to project future trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely across sectors. Applying these national figures to the local industry mix indicates that Barcaldine employment is projected to grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate localized population shifts.
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
ATO records for the 2023 financial year show a median taxpayer income of $53,802 and an average taxpayer income of $65,065 in Barcaldine. This stands below the national average, and compares to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Based on a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at approximately $59,914 (median) and $72,456 (average) as of March 2026. Census results indicate that individual weekly earnings rank at the 62nd percentile ($869 weekly), while household incomes are at the 35th percentile.
The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket covers 34.0% of the local population (543 individuals), which aligns with the regional rate of 31.7% in the same bracket. Residents retain 91.3% of their income after housing expenses, though disposable income is below average at the 43rd percentile and the SEIFA index ranks the area 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
At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Barcaldine consisted of 95.8% detached houses and 4.2% alternative housing types (including semi-detached units, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Barcaldine were high at 44.6%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 23.2% and rentals made up 32.2%. The median monthly mortgage cost in the area was $1,213, while the median weekly rental cost was $200. These figures compare to regional averages of $1,655 for mortgages and $345 for rent.
On a national level, housing costs in Barcaldine are significantly lower than the Australian averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent.
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
Families represent the majority of local households at 63.7%, which includes 21.5% couples raising children, 30.8% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 36.3%, with single-person households representing 34.3% and shared houses at 2.6%. The typical household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
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
The local community displays below-average university completion rates, with 19.5% holding higher education qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap highlights a key area for potential local educational support programs. Among residents, bachelor degrees account for 15.0%, graduate diplomas make up 2.5%, and postgraduate qualifications represent 2.0%. Vocational skills are highly prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (30.0%). A high level of educational enrollment is observed locally, with 30.4% of residents actively participating in study. Of these, primary students represent 14.3%, secondary students represent 8.8%, and tertiary students comprise 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
Public health metrics indicate favorable outcomes for Barcaldine, with mortality rates and medical conditions aligning closely with national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses is typical across youth and elderly demographics alike. Private health insurance coverage sits just ahead of the average SA2 area, representing approximately 53% of the community (~846 people). Asthma and arthritis represent the most common diagnosed conditions, affecting 8.8% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, matching the 67.6% rate across Regional Qld. Health outcomes for working-age residents are standard.
Residents aged 65 and older make up 21.5% of the local population (343 people), higher than the regional average of 20.4%. Health profiles for these older residents are very strong, outperforming the national averages for this age group.
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 diversity metrics are below average, with citizens making up 85.6% of the population, 93.6% of residents born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 65.1% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestry (referring to the birth country of parents), the primary groups in Barcaldine are Australian at 34.1% of the population, notably above the regional rate of 26.5%, English at 31.0%, and Irish at 8.4%. Some groups show distinct variances from regional trends: South Australian ancestry accounts for 0.9% of Barcaldine (compared to 0.5% regionally), Australian Aboriginal represents 6.9% (compared to 3.9%), and Russian heritage makes up 0.5% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Barcaldine is 42. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 22.5% 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 42 in Barcaldine is similar to the Regional Qld average of 41 and above the Australian median of 38. The 75 - 84 age group is overrepresented at 8.5% compared to regional levels, while the 15 - 24 age bracket is underrepresented at 9.3%. Since the 2021 Census, children aged 0 to 4 grew from 4.8% to 6.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.9%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.3% to 11.6%. Future projections for 2041 indicate notable shifts, with the 25 to 34 bracket expected to grow by 26 people (12%) from 210 to 237, while the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to decrease.
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 Aug 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) | 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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 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 (1,540 at the 2021 Census → 1,598 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 (SAL30153). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.