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 Nov 2025, Dunlop's population is estimated at around 7,224, a decrease of 41 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,265. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 7,296 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. The suburb has a population density ratio of 2,001 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted. Population projections indicate a decline by 1,037 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Dunlop has seen virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling an estimated 1 home over the past five financial years. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. With an average of 37 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past five financial years (between FY21 and FY25), demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. Additionally, $99,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against Australian Capital Territory, Dunlop has significantly less development activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Dunlop should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Dunlop has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely affecting this region: Kestral Rise - Macnamara, Macnamara Residential Estate, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Wallaroo Solar Farm. The following details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Dunlop has been broadly consistent with national averages

Dunlop has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, having grown by an estimated 1.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 4,277 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is 0.4% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. The workforce participation rate is 74.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors. Dunlop has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 8.6% employment compared to the regional average of 11.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, while labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.9% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across different industry sectors. Applying these projections to Dunlop's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Dunlop's median income among taxpayers was $69,014 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $78,012 during the same period. This compares to figures for Australian Capital Territory of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $78,400 (median) and $88,622 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Dunlop rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 90th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 37.9% of Dunlop's population (2,737 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This reflects patterns seen in the region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 38.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income while strong earnings rank residents within 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 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 was at 20.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 61.4% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, matching 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 the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $465 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.1 percent of all households, including 44.8 percent couples with children, 22.5 percent couples without children, and 12.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.9 percent, with lone person households at 16.7 percent and group households making up 2.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is 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

In the area, university qualification rates stand at 29.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common (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. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access educational facilities in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 23 active stops operating in Dunlop as of 2021, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by one route, providing 425 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 60 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 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.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (4,190 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 (722 people), which is lower than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Dunlop's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.5% 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 its population. Islam is slightly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average (3.8% vs 3.3%).

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (27.9%), English (24.6%), and Other (11.6%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4%), Croatian (0.9%), and Polish (0.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Dunlop compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.8%, and 0.8% respectively.

Dunlop's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Dunlop's median age is 37 years, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 16.0% of Dunlop's population, compared to a lower figure in the Australian Capital Territory. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up only 10.4%. Since 2021, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.9%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.4%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.9% to 15.2%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Dunlop. The 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to increase by 110 people (13%), rising from 859 to 970. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.