Barcaldine (Qld)

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According to ABS population figures compiled for the broader region alongside recently validated addresses compiled by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Barcaldine has an estimated residency of 1,598 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 58 people (3.8%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 1,540 individuals. This shift is derived from the resident population of 1,598 calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 25 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level yields a density of 0.10 persons per square kilometer, which ensures substantial space for each resident. The 3.8% increase in the suburb of Barcaldine since the 2021 census outpaced the 2.7% growth of the SA3 area as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population gains were chiefly fueled by natural growth, accounting for approximately 48.0% of total growth, though all contributors including overseas and interstate migration remained positive.

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Barcaldine features a capable workforce with strong representation in critical service industries and an unemployment rate of only 1.0%, according to compiled Districts statistics. In March 2026, there were 881 employed residents, while the unemployment rate was 2.9% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%. Participation in the labour force stands at 68.7%, compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census responses show that a modest 13.1% of local workers operated from home, though this figure reflects historical pandemic lockdown measures.

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ATO records for the 2023 financial year show a median taxpayer income of $53,802 and an average taxpayer income of $65,065 in Barcaldine. This stands below the national average, and compares to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Based on a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at approximately $59,914 (median) and $72,456 (average) as of March 2026. Census results indicate that individual weekly earnings rank at the 62nd percentile ($869 weekly), while household incomes are at the 35th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket covers 34.0% of the local population (543 individuals), which aligns with the regional rate of 31.7% in the same bracket. Residents retain of their income after housing expenses, though disposable income is below average at the rd percentile and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

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At the time of the last Census, the housing mix in Barcaldine consisted of 95.8% detached houses and 4.2% alternative housing types (including semi-detached units, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Barcaldine were high at 44.6%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 23.2% and rentals made up 32.2%. The median monthly mortgage cost in the area was $1,213, while the median weekly rental cost was $200. These figures compare to regional averages of $1,655 for mortgages and $345 for rent. On a national level, housing costs in Barcaldine are significantly lower than the Australian averages of $1,863 for mortgages and $375 for rent.

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Families represent the majority of local households at 63.7%, which includes 21.5% couples raising children, 30.8% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 36.3%, with single-person households representing 34.3% and shared houses at 2.6%. The typical household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The local community displays below-average university completion rates, with 19.5% holding higher education qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap highlights a key area for potential local educational support programs. Among residents, bachelor degrees account for 15.0%, graduate diplomas make up 2.5%, and postgraduate qualifications represent 2.0%. Vocational skills are highly prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (30.0%).

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Public health metrics indicate favorable outcomes for Barcaldine, with mortality rates and medical conditions aligning closely with national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses is typical across youth and elderly demographics alike. Private health insurance coverage sits just ahead of the average SA2 area, representing approximately 53% of the community (~846 people).

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Cultural diversity metrics are below average, with citizens making up 85.6% of the population, 93.6% of residents born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 65.1% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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The median age of 42 in Barcaldine is similar to the Regional Qld average of 41 and above the Australian median of 38. The 75 - 84 age group is overrepresented at 8.5% compared to regional levels, while the 15 - 24 age bracket is underrepresented at 9.3%. Since the 2021 Census, children aged 0 to 4 grew from 4.8% to 6.2% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.9%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.3% to 11.6%. Future projections for 2041 indicate notable shifts, with the to bracket expected to grow by people () from to while the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease.

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Barcaldine currently has an estimated 99 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 64 children aged 0-2 and 42 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 36% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 103 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 146. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 14.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.