Council (LGA) · Area profile
Barcaldine
53,383 km²
A strong full-time employment rate sets Barcaldine apart, where 70.5% of the workforce is in full-time roles. This Queensland regional centre is a predominantly Australian community with deep roots, though its total population has shrunk by 11% since 2011. It is an older area than the national average, with a high proportion of seniors and a notable First Nations presence. The community is marked by a high level of local volunteerism and a preference for detached housing.
The area's schools rate below its broader socio-economic standing.
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The typical resident is 43, making the area noticeably older than the Queensland and national figures. While children under 15 make up 19.0% of the population, the number of seniors has risen to 20.0% since 2011.
The community is overwhelmingly Australian born, with 83.7% born here and only 5.1% born overseas, which is far below the national figure.
English is the primary language for almost everyone, with only 1.7% of people using another language at home, far below the national average of 22.3%.
Religious affiliation remains common, as 58.5% identify as Christians. Those with no religion make up 28.7%, which is far below the national figure but has risen by 14 points since 2011.
Education levels are lower than in most areas, with only 11.6% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, far below the national figure of 26.3%.
Personal incomes are a little above the state average, with a typical weekly pay of $858. However, only 14.3% of households earn $3,000 or more a week, which is well below the national figure.
Health outcomes are generally better than in most areas, with lower rates of long-term health conditions and a mental health condition rate of 5.3%, well below the national figure.
Local spirit is exceptionally high, as 31.0% of residents volunteer, a figure far above the national average of 14.1%.
The First Nations community is notably younger, with a typical age of 20. Residents here earn a typical personal income of $759, well above the national figure for First Nations people.
Living arrangements are distinct, with 33.7% of people living alone, which is well above the national figure of 25.6%.
Housing is dominated by separate houses, making up 94.0% of homes. Outright ownership is far more common here than nationally, at 43.2%, and typical weekly rents are much lower at $163.
The area is entirely dependent on cars for commuting, as 0.0% use public transport. Conversely, 21.3% of people work from home, which is well above the state average.
The population is relatively stable, with 31.9% moving in the last five years, well below the national figure of 40.7%.
Jobs are concentrated in agriculture, forestry and fishing, which employ 30.8% of the workforce. Unemployment is very low at 2.4%, a little below the national figure.
The area is generally better off than 70% of similar areas, with an overall advantage score of 971.
The local climate is hot, with average maximum temperatures that are much higher than most areas.
Recorded offences are higher than in most areas, with theft being the most common crime at 43.9% of all offences.
The area is mostly car-dependent with a walkability score of 3.4, although residents have better access to health services within a 15-minute walk than those in the rest of the state.