Dunlop

Dunlop is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Dunlop is around 7,296. This figure reflects an increase of 31 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,265. The latest resident population estimate of 7,296 was derived by AreaSearch through examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2024 and address validation post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2,021 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Dunlop's growth rate of 0.4% since the Census places it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 69.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ACT Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 1,037 persons according to this methodology. However, growth within specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably a projected increase of 153 people in the 55 to 64 age group.

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

Dunlop has had minimal development over the past five years, with just one approval. This indicates a fully developed suburb with limited opportunities for new construction. The lack of new supply generally supports demand for established properties and contributes to price stability.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dunlop has significantly less development activity. While this limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, building activity has accelerated in recent years. However, this activity remains below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Dunlop has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect the region. Key projects are Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Wallaroo Solar Farm. Relevant details are listed below.

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 Dunlop remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Dunlop has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, reflecting relative employment stability over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 4,173 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.6%.

Workforce participation is at 75.9%, slightly higher than the ACT's 72.5%. Census responses indicate that 10.6% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Dunlop shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 8.6% of local workers, below the ACT's 11.1%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.0%, labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, the ACT saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Dunlop's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Dunlop suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $69,014 and an average level of $78,012. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the ACT's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.26% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $75,405 and average income around $85,236. The 2021 Census places Dunlop's household, family, and personal incomes between the 89th and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 37.9% of locals (2,765 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the broader area at 34.3%. Dunlop's affluence is evident with 38.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, while residents rank in the 90th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Dunlop is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Dunlop, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's dwelling structure of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Dunlop stood at 20.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 61.4% and rented dwellings making up 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Dunlop was $2,000 as of 2016, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Dunlop was recorded at $465, compared to Australian Capital Territory's figure of $450 during the same period. Nationally, Dunlop's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 for 2016.

Dunlop features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.1% of all households, including 44.8% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Dunlop demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 29.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 22.0%. Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.7% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Dunlop has 22 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 115 different routes, collectively facilitating 8,423 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 230 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, an average of 1,203 trips are made daily, translating to approximately 382 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Dunlop is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Dunlop faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but slightly more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high in Dunlop, with approximately 58% of the total population (~4,232 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.3 and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Dunlop has 10.6% of residents aged 65 and over (773 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Dunlop was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dunlop's cultural diversity is above average, with 21.5% of its population born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Dunlop, comprising 48.8% of people, while Islam is slightly overrepresented at 3.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.4%. In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 27.9%, English 24.6%, and Other groups 11.6%.

Notably, Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%), Croatian (0.9% vs 0.9%), and Polish (0.9% vs 0.8%) are overrepresented in Dunlop compared to the region.

Dunlop's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dunlop's median age is 37 years, slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but in line with the national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 15.9% of Dunlop's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.0%. Between 2021 and present, residents have aged by an average of 1 year, with the median age rising from 36 to 37 years. Notably, the 55-64 age group has grown from 10.4% to 12.7%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.9% to 14.8%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for Dunlop in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 11%, adding 52 residents, reaching a total of 512. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 72% of population growth, highlighting the trend of demographic aging. Conversely, the 0-4 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.