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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Dunlop statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 7,296 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 31 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,265 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 7,296, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 2,021 persons per square kilometer, which was above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Dunlop's 0.4% growth since census positioned it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, were adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicated a decline in overall population, with the Dunlop (SA2) population expected to reduce by 1,037 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which was projected to increase by 153 people.

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 activity over the past five years, with only one approval granted during this period. This reflects a suburb that is largely fully developed, with limited opportunities for new construction. The lack of new supply generally supports demand for established properties and contributes to price stability in the area.

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, indicating the suburb's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints may be in place.

Population projections show stability or decline, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures in Dunlop, 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 identified three projects likely affecting the region: Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Wallaroo Solar Farm. The following list details those most relevant.

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%, showing relative stability over the past year according to AreaSearch 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 (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is 74.1%, slightly higher than ACT's 69.6%. Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 8.6% of local workers, lower than ACT's 11.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.0%, labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a 0.8 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, ACT saw employment grow by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2%. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dunlop's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch reports that Dunlop suburb had median taxpayer income of $69,014 and average income of $78,012 in financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are high, compared to ACT's $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $75,405 and average income $85,236, based on 9.26% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Dunlop's incomes rank highly nationally, between 89th and 90th percentiles for households, families, and individuals (Census 2021). Most locals (37.9%, or 2,765 people) earn $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 weekly, supporting premium services and retail. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income; residents rank high in disposable income (90th percentile) and SEIFA income ranking places the area in the 8th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Dunlop, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dunlop stood at 20.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 61.4% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average. However, the median weekly rent figure was $465, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, Dunlop's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 people.

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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (22.0%). Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

Analysis of public transport in Dunlop shows 22 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 115 individual routes. Collectively, these routes facilitate 8,423 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 1,203 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 382 weekly trips per individual stop.

Dunlop's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Dunlop's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. Private health cover rate is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~4,232 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.3 and 9.5% of residents respectively. 67.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 10.0% of residents aged 65 and over (729 people), which is lower than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges and require more attention than 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 population exhibited above-average cultural diversity, with 21.5% born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.8%. Islam was slightly overrepresented, making up 3.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.3%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (27.9%), English (24.6%), and Other (11.6%). Hungarian, Croatian, and Polish ethnicities showed notable divergences in representation: Hungarian at 0.4% (vs regional 0.3%), Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.8%), and Polish at 0.9% (vs 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 45-54 age group makes up 16.0% of Dunlop's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group grew from 10.4% to 11.9%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.9% to 15.2%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Dunlop. The 55-64 age cohort is projected to increase by 101 people (12%), from 868 to 970. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.