Dicky Beach

An assessment of population growth drivers in Dicky Beach reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The suburb of Dicky Beach had a population estimate of 1,918 as of February 2026, according to an analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This figure represents a decrease of 3 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,921. The current resident population is estimated at 1,916, based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,862 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in the area during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 and based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected for Dicky Beach, with an anticipated growth of 209 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 12.8% over the 17 years.

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

Dicky Beach has had minimal residential development activity, with an average of one dwelling approval per year over the past five years (a total of five approvals). This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary significantly based on individual projects.

Dicky Beach has shown considerably less construction activity than the rest of Queensland. The development pattern here is also well below national averages. All new constructions in the area have been standalone homes, with a focus on family homes suited to those seeking a rural lifestyle and space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (66.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes.

The location has approximately 976 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dicky Beach is projected to add 245 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Dicky Beach has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting the region: Caloundra Transport Hub, and Caloundra to Currimundi Active Transport Corridor. Other notable projects are Lagune Moffat Beach and Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade. The following details those most relevant.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Dicky Beach faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Dicky Beach has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025875 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Dicky Beach lagged significantly at 54.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicated that a moderate 17.8% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Dicky Beach shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.1% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2%, and employment declined by 2.5%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Dicky Beach. Applying these projections to Dicky Beach's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, although these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Dicky Beach had a lower income level than average nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $43,818 and the average income stood at $55,944. These figures compared to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,160 (median) and $61,488 (average) as of September 2025. Census data showed household, family and personal incomes in Dicky Beach all fell between the 21st and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicated that the largest segment comprised 25.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (487 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represented 31.7%. A diverse economic landscape was evident with both lower-income residents (33.7%) and affluent households (21.3%) well-represented. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Dicky Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Dicky Beach, as evaluated at the Census 2016, comprised 65.8% houses and 34.1% other dwellings. In Non-Metro Qld, it was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dicky Beach was 44.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.0% and rented at 31.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,863, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Dicky Beach was $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $375. Nationally, Dicky Beach's mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.3% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Dicky Beach aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notably strong regionally, with university qualification rates at 29.6%, surpassing both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area average of 23.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 23.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows ten active transport stops operating within Dicky Beach. These stops are served by three individual bus routes, collectively providing 688 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 162 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 98 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Dicky Beach faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~946 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%). While 62.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, this is lower than the 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 31.0% of residents aged 65 and over (594 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Dicky Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dicky Beach's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 81.0% born in Australia, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Dicky Beach, accounting for 51.1% of people, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.9%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 10.0% in Dicky Beach than regionally (7.8%), as was German at 5.4% compared to 4.7%, and New Zealand at 0.8% versus 0.9%.

Dicky Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Dicky Beach has a median age of 53 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented in Dicky Beach at 18.2%, compared to the Rest of Qld average of 11.2%. Conversely, the 25 - 34 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 5.9% to 7.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.2%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.0% to 11.5%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 9.8% to 8.4%. By 2041, Dicky Beach is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 63%, reaching 166 people from 101. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 63% of the projected growth. Both the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.