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 per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since May 2026, the estimated population of Dunlop is around 7,282. This figure shows an increase of 17 people from the 2021 Census total of 7,265, indicating a growth rate of approximately 0.2%. AreaSearch arrived at this estimate by examining ERP data released by ABS in June 2025 and validating addresses since the Census date. This population density translates to 2,017 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed roughly 69% of overall population gains during recent periods for Dunlop.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are used, also based on 2022 data. Future population projections suggest a decline by 983 persons in Dunlop by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 55 to 64 group are expected to grow, with an increase of 107 people projected.

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

Dunlop recorded one dwelling approval between 2017 and 2022. This low figure indicates a mature suburb with limited new construction opportunities. The lack of new supply typically supports demand for established properties, potentially contributing to price stability.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Dunlop has notably lower building activity, which generally strengthens demand and values for established properties. However, development activity has increased in recent periods. This is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

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

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

AreaSearch has identified three projects that could impact the area: Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Strathnairn & Macnamara (Stages 1-7+), and Wallaroo Solar Farm. These are key projects to consider for assessing the area's performance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Dunlop has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Dunlop's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment stability has been relative.

There are 4,166 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate at 0.9% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is high at 75.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Dunlop shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 8.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 11.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.0% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory's employment grew by 0.9%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Dunlop's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Dunlop had a median taxpayer income of $69,014 and an average of $78,012. Nationally, these figures are high compared to ACT's $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By March 2026, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.44%, median income is estimated at approximately $76,219 and average at $86,156. Dunlop's incomes rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 90th percentiles according to 2021 Census figures. Income analysis shows 37.9% of residents (2,759 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to metropolitan patterns at 34.3%. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 38.5% earning over $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, and residents rank highly in disposable income (90th percentile) and SEIFA income decile (8th).

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, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's structure which was 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings at that time. 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 this date, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465 in Dunlop, compared to $450 in the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Dunlop's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 18.9%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households making up 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 the 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 them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (22.0%). Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.7% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 115 different routes, collectively moving 8,423 passengers weekly. Residents have good access to transport, living an average of 230 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, with cars being the primary mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per household, higher than the regional norm. Only 10.6% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, there are approximately 1,203 trips daily, translating to about 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.

Approximately 58% (~4224 people) of Dunlop's population has private health cover, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 62.4%. The most common medical conditions in Dunlop are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.3% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to the ACT's 70.2%. Working-age residents in Dunlop have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 10.8% (786 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the ACT's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but 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 notable, 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, accounting for 48.8% of residents. However, Islam is slightly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 3.8% versus 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.9%), English (24.6%), and Other (11.6%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Hungarian residents make up 0.4%, higher than the regional average of 0.3%; Croatian residents account for 0.9%, equal to the regional figure; Polish residents comprise 0.9%, slightly higher than the region's 0.8%.

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 aligned with the national average of 38 years. The age group of 45-54 has a strong representation at 15.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 13.0% to 15.0% of the population, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 16.9% to 14.5%, and the 35-44 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Dunlop. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to increase by 61 people (13%), from 480 to 542. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 71% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.