Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.
Palmerston offers a materially higher gross yield (6.0% vs 4.4%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Palmerston achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Dubbo requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Dubbo (1.1% vs 2.8%), indicating tighter rental demand relative to supply.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Dubbo NSW · #12 | Palmerston NT · #25 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.4% | 6.0% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Median Price | $668k | $510k |
| Weekly Rent | $570/wk | $590/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-5,096 | +$4,160 |
| Cashflow | Slightly-Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +6.4% | +3.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5.8% | +3% |
| NG Dependence | Medium | None |
| Discovery Status | Unknown | Known |
| Population | 40k | 37k |
| Cycle Stage | Early | Starting |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ◆ NEUTRAL |
| Signal Score | 61 / Tier 2 | 48 / Tier 2 |
Central west NSW regional hub with the most attractive yield profile in the NSW expansion set at 4.4%. Dubbo Base Hospital is the major employer; Taronga Western Plains Zoo and agribusiness supply chains support a diversified service economy. Cashflow gap is relatively small ($5k/yr pre-costs) and rent growth at 6.4% is narrowing it. Of the expansion markets, Dubbo has the most achievable path to cashflow breakeven.
Government-backed tenant quality via ADF DHOAS subsidies. Robertson Barracks is a permanent strategic asset. Vacancy driven by ADF rotations not economic weakness.
2026 median house data. Source: realestate.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
CoreLogic NT Q1 2025 · REINT Palmerston/Darwin Q4 2024 · SQM Research · ADF Defence Housing Australia occupancy data 2024 · NT Government Greater Darwin Region Land Use Objectives 2024
Data vintage: Q1 2025
The interactive tool lets you add up to 4 suburbs for a full side-by-side breakdown with score components.
Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.