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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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Dicky Beach has an estimated 1,898 residents. The population has thinned by an average 0.7% a year over five years, slower than 96% of areas nationally. That puts 1,843 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
In the suburb of Dicky Beach, the population stands at approximately 1,898 as of Aug 2026, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS demographic releases and subsequent validated address counts. Compared to the 1,921 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, this indicates a reduction of 23 people (1.2%). This figure builds upon an Estimated Resident Population of 1,893 established from the June 2025 ABS ERP release alongside 2 validated new addresses registered post-Census. With 1,842 persons per square kilometer, the locality's population density sits higher than the national benchmark across locations tracked by AreaSearch.
Inbound overseas migration served as virtually the sole source of local demographic expansion over recent intervals. Projections for the suburb of Dicky Beach utilize the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 figures grounded on 2022 benchmarks. Where coverage is missing and for periods extending past 2032, models incorporate the 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 releases based on 2021 data. Because state datasets omit demographic age breakdowns, AreaSearch aligns age brackets using proportional weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region series (2022 base). Over the 16 years running to 2041, aggregated SA2 projections indicate an addition of 208 persons—representing an overall increase of 10.7%—positioning anticipated demographic growth slightly below the non-metropolitan median.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Building and construction activity across Dicky Beach remains exceptionally subdued, with residential building approvals averaging less than 1 approvals per year and demonstrating minimal approvals over five years. Such modest levels of construction reflect a rural setting where residential development responds to localized dwelling requirements rather than broader speculative demand. Due to the limited volume of activity, single construction approvals can cause substantial shifts in annual development metrics and comparative rates. Residential building activity in Dicky Beach tracks significantly below levels recorded across Rest of Qld. Furthermore, total construction and development rates sit below wider national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Dicky Beach
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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 62 current infrastructure and development projects close to Dicky Beach, worth an estimated $14.3 billion. 28 are already under construction and 21 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
Strategic civic initiatives and major capital works play a pivotal role in shaping local development. Within Dicky Beach, 2 projects have been identified as primary influences on future community growth. Key regional works include the Caloundra Transport Hub, Caloundra to Currimundi (C2C) Active Transport Corridor, Lagune Moffat Beach, and the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU).
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Caloundra Centre Activation Project
Caloundra Centre Activation Project is the Sunshine Coast Council's long term initiative to deliver the 2017 Caloundra Centre Master Plan. The program revitalises the city heart through a connected creative and civic precinct linking The Events Centre, a new district library, a new regional gallery, a new town square and upgraded streetscapes through to Bulcock Beach. The transformed Library+ Caloundra opened in September 2025 in the former council administration building, designed by Wilson Architects. Hutchinson Builders was appointed in April 2026 to demolish the former building at 77 Bulcock Street as the first stage of the new town square.Detailed design of the 12.8 million dollar town square, led by consultant Urbis, is targeting construction start in mid 2026 and completion by mid 2027. The new Sunshine Coast Regional Gallery, with concept design by ARM Architecture, will replace the current 25 year old gallery and was the subject of a design competition launched in 2025. Outcomes include enhanced pedestrian links, expanded green space at Felicity Park and Bill Venardos Park, and revitalised public realm along Omrah and Otranto avenues.
Moffat Beach Seawall Reconstruction Project
The project involves reconstructing the damaged seawall at Moffat Beach to protect parklands, pathways, roads, and facilities from climate change impacts. It aims to retain Norfolk pine trees, minimize loss of beach and parkland, improve drainage, and enhance access.
Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct Upgrades (Currimundi)
A $9.3 million upgrade to the Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct in Currimundi, delivering a new accessible gymnasium, recovery space with ice baths and sauna, sport and recreation office space, a beach access path linking to the existing Coastal Walkway, and an additional emergency access road. The leisure centre building is also being expanded with new adjacent facilities. Works are being delivered by I.C.M Construction (QLD) Pty Ltd under the Queensland Government's $28 million-plus Sport and Recreation Venues improvement program, in support of community health outcomes and the Brisbane 2032 athlete pathway.Completion is expected in early 2026.
Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU)
A 1.6 km road upgrade and new extension delivered in two sections to improve access into Caloundra CBD. Section 1 (Omrah Ave to Arthur St) by Sunshine Coast Council will duplicate lanes and upgrade key intersections with new active transport paths. Section 2 (Third Ave extension to Nicklin Way) by Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads delivers a new 4-way signalised intersection at Nicklin Way, four lanes to Arthur St, compliant crossings, an underpass at West Terrace and separated bike/pedestrian paths.Final design was confirmed in May 2025. A construction tender was released in March 2026. Subject to EPBC Act approvals and contractor appointment, construction is anticipated to begin mid-2026 with completion targeted for early 2028.
Sunshine Coast Industrial Park
The Sunshine Coast Industrial Park is a 215-hectare major regional industrial hub delivered by Economic Development Queensland. Designed for medium to high-impact manufacturing, logistics, and large-scale industrial activities, Stage 2 delivers fully serviced industrial lots with direct Bruce Highway access.
Caloundra Centre Activation Project - Community and Creative Hub
Sunshine Coast Council's Caloundra Centre Activation Project is delivering a connected civic, cultural and public space precinct linking The Events Centre, Library+ Caloundra, the future town square, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Bulcock Street and Bulcock Beach. The Community and Creative Hub includes the new town square at Bulcock Street and Otranto Avenue, greener public spaces, improved lighting, pedestrian links, streetscape works on Omrah and Otranto avenues, and upgrades around Felicity Park and Bill Venardos Park. Library+ Caloundra opened in September 2025, and early works for the town square site at 77 Bulcock Street commenced in April 2026.
Solara Kings Beach
Solara Kings Beach is a seven level boutique apartment building delivering 23 oversized three and four bedroom residences and skyhomes at 19-21 Verney Street, Kings Beach. Developed by Citimax Property Group and designed by Angelo Patrick Architects, the project offers large floor plans, generous balconies, and high end coastal interiors with resort style amenities including a pool, gym, dining pavilion, BBQ area and dog wash. Following Sunshine Coast Council approval in late 2024 and a subsequent planning appeal over tree protection conditions, construction has now commenced, with completion targeted from 2027.Apartments are being marketed as premium downsizer and owner occupier product with strong ocean views and proximity to the Kings Beach esplanade and Caloundra town centre.
Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast
A 12-storey international hotel development featuring 160 rooms and suites, including 33 one and two-bedroom suites. The project marks the first international hotel brand in Caloundra and includes ground-level retail, a 210-seat all-day dining restaurant, rooftop restaurant and sky bar, fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. Developed by Felix Capital in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, it is a key piece of infrastructure supporting the region's growth toward the 2032 Olympic Games.
808 residents of Dicky Beach are employed, from a labour force of 855. Unemployment sits at 5.5%, with participation at 51.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,537, about 81% 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
Statistical area aggregations by AreaSearch reveal that Dicky Beach has an educated resident workforce featuring substantial representation across core service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.5%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 808 individuals; however, local joblessness exceeds Regional Qld's 3.9% by 1.6%, and the labor force participation rate of 51.2% trails the 64.2% recorded regionally. Census figures indicate that 17.8% of employed locals conducted their work from home, a metric that may reflect prevailing Covid-19 restrictions. Resident employment centers primarily on health care & social assistance, education & training, along with construction.
Workforce concentration in health care & social assistance is particularly pronounced, tracking at 1.4 times regional benchmarks. By contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.1% of local workers, compared with 4.5% across Regional Qld. Comparisons between the working population tally and resident counts suggest local employment opportunities remain limited within this largely residential enclave. Analysis of combined ABS and SALM figures indicates that in the twelve months leading to March 2026, Dicky Beach experienced a 3.9% contraction in its labor force and a 4.8% decrease in total employment, driving a 0.9 percentage points rise in local unemployment. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force grow by 0.3%, with joblessness increasing by 0.1 percentage points. National projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26 outline broader five- and ten-year labor demand expectations of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively. When mapped across the local industry distribution as an illustrative weighting exercise, these forecasts suggest employment for Dicky Beach could expand by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Dicky Beach is $1,322 a week (about $69,000 a year), with median personal income at $664 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,818 a year against an average of $55,944. 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 taxation statistics for financial year 2023 aggregated at the postcode level indicate that taxpayers in the suburb of Dicky Beach recorded a median income of $43,818 and an average of $55,944, trailing both national norms and the Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 places updated estimates at $48,796 for median earnings and $62,299 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census positions local household, family, and personal incomes between the 21st and 21st percentiles across the country.
Weekly earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 account for 25.4% of residents (482 individuals), compared to 31.7% across the greater metropolitan area. Overall, 33.7% face constrained financial circumstances while 21.3% earn high weekly amounts. Residual income after housing stands at 82.8% (21st percentile), with the SEIFA income score landing in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Dicky Beach had 755 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 66% detached houses and 4% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,863 a month. Rent absorbs 30.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 32.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, separate houses made up 65.8% of the housing stock in Dicky Beach, with attached dwellings, apartments, and other configurations accounting for 34.1%, whereas Regional Qld recorded 76.4% and 23.6% respectively. Outright home ownership reached 44.8%—substantially above regional levels—while mortgaged properties stood at 24.0% and rental accommodation comprised 31.1%. Typical monthly mortgage commitments of $1,863 matched the Australian benchmark of $1,863 and exceeded the Regional Qld median of $1,655. Median weekly rent stood at $400, surpassing both the $345 regional figure and the $375 national average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Dicky Beach counted 755 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 21% are couples with children, fewer than in 85% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 65.3% of local households, consisting of couples without children at 32.0%, couples with children at 20.7%, and single parent families at 10.5%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.7%, dominated by lone person households at 32.3% alongside group households at 2.9%. The area records an average household size of 2.2 people, which is smaller than the 2.5 benchmark for Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
29.6% of adults in Dicky Beach hold a university qualification, including 20.0% with a bachelor degree and 5.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 23.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 176 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 998 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
Higher education qualifications are strongly represented locally, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing a university degree. This exceeds both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the wider SA3 area figure of 23.6%. Bachelor degrees account for 20.0% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%. In addition, technical and vocational credentials are held by 35.2% of residents aged 15+, comprising certificates at 23.0% and advanced diplomas at 12.2%. Active participation in study is strong throughout the community, with 26.0% of locals currently undertaking formal schooling or tertiary studies.
Broken down across educational tiers, 8.5% attend primary school, 7.9% are in secondary education, and 4.2% are enrolled in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Dicky Beach means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 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
62.2% of residents in Dicky Beach report no long-term health condition. 10.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Evaluations of disease prevalence and mortality metrics show elevated health challenges in Dicky Beach across both younger and older demographics. Private health insurance coverage extends to approximately 49% of residents (~937 people), trailing the Regional Qld rate of 52.5% and the national baseline of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions represent the leading reported diagnoses, affecting 11.5 and 8.6% of the population respectively, while 62.2% reported having no chronic ailments compared with 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic conditions are elevated among working-age locals. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 32.4% of the population (614 people), higher than the 20.3% observed regionally, with senior health indicators broadly mirroring wider national patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Dicky Beach is largely Australian-born, at 81.0% of residents, with 3.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.9%) and Australian (25.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Dicky Beach track below broader standards, with 88.1% holding Australian citizenship, 81.0% born domestically, and 96.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity forms the dominant religious denomination at 51.1%, slightly below the 52.2% registered across Regional Qld. Parental heritage in Dicky Beach is led by English ancestry at 33.9%, Australian at 25.9%, and Irish at 10.3%. Variations emerge among other backgrounds, with Scottish ancestry notably elevated at 10.0% compared to 7.8% regionally, German at 5.4% versus 4.7%, and New Zealand heritage accounting for 0.8% against 0.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Dicky Beach is 53, older than 95% of areas nationally. 16.9% 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
Retirees and older residents form a substantial portion of the community in Dicky Beach. As of August 2026, individuals aged 65+ make up 32.4% of the population compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld, whereas adults aged 25 - 44 represent 17.6% versus 25.5% regionally. The median age remains at 53 as at August 2026, mirroring the 2021 Census level while exceeding the regional median of 41 and national median of 38 from that Census. Since then, residents aged 45 - 64 have contracted from 31.5% to 28.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, older cohorts are projected to drive growth by adding 165 residents (27%) to total 780, while younger cohorts are forecast to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Dicky Beach
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 — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,921 at the 2021 Census → 1,898 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 (SAL30841). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.