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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Black River (Qld) has an estimated 1,645 residents, up from 1,493 at the 2021 Census — a change of 152 people, or 10.2%. Growth has averaged 2.0% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 68.0% of that increase. Density is about 27 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
In the suburb of Black River (Qld), based on AreaSearch evaluations of ABS regional data and post-Census address validation, the resident count is projected to be approximately 1,645 in May 2026. Comparing this to the 2021 Census, which counted 1,493 individuals, represents a rise of 152 people (10.2%). The estimate of 1,645 is derived by AreaSearch through analysing the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 50 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population corresponds to a density of 26 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment.
Black River (Qld)'s 10.2% growth rate exceeded both the wider SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 zone, positioning it as a local growth frontrunner. The main driver of this expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 68.0% of the population increase, with natural growth and overseas migration also making positive contributions. Projections for each SA2 district are sourced from ABS and Geoscience Australia figures published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For areas where these are unavailable or for periods beyond 2032, Queensland Government SA2 projections from 2023 using 2021 data are utilized. Because the state projections do not include age brackets, AreaSearch allocates growth weightings across age groups using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data. Future trends point to above-average expansion relative to other regional areas in Australia, with the suburb of Black River (Qld) projected to add 284 residents by 2041, representing a total rise of 17.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
38 new dwellings have been approved in Black River (Qld) over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That places the area in the 65th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 4 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building consent statistics compiled for local areas, Black River average annual approvals stand at roughly 7 residential units, accumulating to 38 homes over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 4 consents have been registered. An average of 4 residents moved to the locality for every newly built home between FY-21 and FY-25, showing that demand is outpacing supply, which typically drives up values and intensifies competition among buyers, with new residential projects carrying an average building cost of $445,000. Commercial building permits for the current financial year total $938,000, pointing to limited commercial building activity.
Compared with the Rest of Qld, development activity in Black River is slightly elevated, running 18.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year span, which provides choices for purchasers while supporting property prices. Recent construction has focused entirely on detached houses, preserving the low-density landscape and highlighting family residences. There are approximately 171 residents for each new residential consent, indicating a growing market. Demographic projections indicate Black River is set to add 284 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, the supply of new housing may fail to meet the population growth, potentially heightening competition among prospective buyers and reinforcing price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Black River (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 39 current infrastructure and development projects close to Black River (Qld), worth an estimated $4.62 billion. 14 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning changes have a significant influence on regional performance. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a likely impact on the area. Notable regional projects include the Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery, the Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program, the Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Flinders Highway (Townsville - Torrens Creek) Pavement Strengthening and Rehabilitation (Package 1), with details of the most relevant schemes listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Beaches
Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Beaches is an approved premium over-50s land lease lifestyle community developed by Lincoln Place in Mount Low[cite: 1]. The development includes 350 modern low-maintenance dwellings alongside resort-style amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pools, gymnasium, sports pavilion, and pickleball courts[cite: 1]. Council approval has been granted with infrastructure connections facilitating the masterplanned residential enclave[cite: 1].
Sanctum Master Planned Community
Sanctum is a large-scale master-planned residential community in Townsville's Northern Beaches growth corridor, approximately 25 minutes north of the Townsville CBD and Airport. Delivered by Maidment Group across a 700 hectare site, the project will accommodate up to 4800 families over a 20-25 year development period. The community features the 28 hectare Sanctum Central Park with 3km of landscaped waterways, walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, a dog park, BBQ areas and exercise equipment, all within 200m of every home.Land releases are ongoing, with the Hydrangea Release still selling and a new Evodia Release of premium homesites over 1000sqm underway. The estate benefits from fibre optic connectivity to every home and proximity to the Townsville Ring Road, Townsville University Hospital, James Cook University and Lavarack Barracks.
Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Beaches
Townsville's first premium over-50s land lease community. The estate will feature 350 modern homes, each designed to maximise comfort and convenience while being easy to maintain.
North Townsville Road (Woolcock Street) Upgrade - Mount Low to Deeragun Intersections
Intersection and corridor upgrades on North Townsville Road (Woolcock Street) between Mount Low and Deeragun to improve safety and reduce congestion in the fast-growing northern corridor. Preliminary evaluation and options analysis work was completed in mid-2024; as of mid-2025 the project is not funded for construction in the current QTRIP, with community and local MPs continuing to advocate for funding.
Treetops at Oakdale Heights
Small hillside house-and-land estate in Townsville's Northern Beaches. The limited 25-lot release offered elevated blocks (approx. 702 to 1425 m2), wide streets, parklands, bike trails and outlooks to the ranges and islands. Marketing indicates the land release is sold out, with ready-built homes promoted on site. Close to schools, shops, beaches and major services.
Northside Square - Lot 6 (12-18 Deeragun Road)
Fully leased large format retail investment (Lot 6) within the Northside Square precinct. 2,602 sqm modern tilt-panel complex on a 6,181 sqm freehold site fronting the Bruce Highway, tenanted by BCF, Supercheap Auto and Bridgestone. Tenants renewed leases in late 2023; WALE circa 4.5 years with fixed annual increases. Trading in the precinct since 2013.
Townsville Business Park (Shaw Business Park)
A significant 25.48-hectare master planned development comprising 47 light and service industry lots and a large format retail precinct. The project is approved for 23,200 sqm of showroom floorspace and includes a DTMR-approved signalised intersection for direct highway access. Strategically located in Townsville's major residential growth corridor opposite the North Shore estate, the site offers 535m of Bruce Highway frontage.
Peggy Banfield Park Redevelopment
Completed staged expansion of a district-level sports park in Townsville's Northern Beaches area, including upgraded rugby league fields, inclusive playground, fitness circuit, oval, and Townsville's largest dog park.
822 residents of Black River (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 849. Unemployment sits at 3.1%, with participation at 63.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,266, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is composed of a mix of white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a high concentration in the construction sector, and an unemployment rate of only 3.1% based on compiled regional data. As of March 2026, there are 822 employed locals, reflecting an unemployment rate that is 0.9% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld, while labor participation is closely aligned with the Regional Qld figure of 64.3%. Census details show that a minor 10.4% of residents worked from their homes, although this figure should be interpreted in the context of past pandemic lockdowns.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The construction sector shows a particularly high concentration, employing workers at 1.5 times the regional average rate. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs 10.4% of the local workforce compared to 16.1% across the region. Comparison of Census local job numbers against resident worker numbers suggests that local employment openings are limited. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader area, the recent 12-month period saw a decrease of 1.2% in the labour pool alongside a 1.4% drop in the number of employed residents, leading to a 0.2 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labour force, and a 0.1 percentage point lift in unemployment. Future labour trends in Black River can be contextualised using national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors will perform differently. Applying these national industry trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents could grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, representing a basic weighted extrapolation for comparison rather than a forecast adjusted for local demographic changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Black River (Qld) is $1,883 a week (about $98,000 a year), with median personal income at $844 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $66,811 a year against an average of $75,488. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 show that personal earnings in Black River are significantly above the national averages, with a median of $66,811 and an average of $75,488. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, these figures are estimated to have reached approximately $74,401 for the median and $84,063 for the average by March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes are positioned around the 58th percentile nationally.
The most prominent weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, accounting for 38.7% of the community (636 residents), which aligns with the regional trend where 31.7% fall into the same bracket. Residents retain 87.0% of their earnings after housing expenses, demonstrating strong spending capacity, and the area is positioned in the 4th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Black River (Qld) had 511 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 57% are owned with a mortgage, 10% rented and 33% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $320 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,625 a month. Rent absorbs 17.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census data, residential housing in Black River consists of 97.8% separate houses and 2.2% other housing types, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, whereas Regional Qld comprises 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% other dwelling types. Home ownership is recorded at 33.1%, matching the rate of Regional Qld, with mortgaged properties making up 57.0% and rented properties accounting for 9.9% of homes. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,625 is lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rental cost of $320 compares to $345 regionally.
On a national scale, Black River mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Black River (Qld) counted 511 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 563 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 34% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent 80.0% of the local area, consisting of 34.2% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 11.4% single-parent households. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.0%, consisting of lone-person households at 17.2% and group houses at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 residents, exceeding the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.2% of adults in Black River (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 8.1% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 39.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local population has low rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 10.2%, considerably below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights an opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are held by 8.1% of residents, postgraduate qualifications by 1.6%, and graduate diplomas by 0.5%. Vocational training is common, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 39.1%. Participation in study is high, with 30.1% of the local population currently undertaking formal education. This includes 12.6% enrolled in primary schools, 7.4% in high schools, and 2.9% studying at tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Black River (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 2.2 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.2% of residents in Black River (Qld) report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Black River exhibits notable health issues based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates, with health conditions present across both young and older groups, while the rate of private medical insurance is high, covering approximately 57% of the population, which equates to about 939 people. This is higher than the 52.5% coverage recorded across Regional Qld. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 8.6% and 8.5% of the population respectively, while 67.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
The population of working age experiences notable health concerns with high rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged 65 and over make up 17.3% of the community, which is 284 people, representing a lower proportion than the 20.4% seen in Regional Qld, with national rankings for this cohort showing higher health challenges than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Black River (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 91.2% of residents, with 1.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.2%) and English (31.9%). 4.1% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Black River is lower than average, with citizens representing 89.9% of the population, 91.2% of residents born in Australia, and 98.5% of households using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 56.3% of the local community, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top parental ancestries represented in Black River are Australian at 32.2% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English at 31.9%, and Irish at 8.8%. Some ethnic groups show distinct patterns, with Samoan background representing 0.4% of the population compared to 0.2% regionally, Australian Aboriginal background at 4.1% compared to 3.9% regionally, and German background at 4.0% compared to 4.7% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Black River (Qld) is 41. 23.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents is 41 years, aligning with the Regional Qld average of 41 and sitting higher than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Black River has a higher share of residents aged 55 - 64 at 14.4%, but a lower share of those aged 85+ at 0.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 4.0% to 5.6% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 9.1% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 demographic fell from 14.0% to 12.5%, and the 5 to 14 demographic declined from 14.2% to 13.0%.
Looking toward 2041, demographic models indicate changes in the age structure of the suburb of Black River (Qld), with the 25 to 34 age bracket projected to grow by 34% (an increase of 71 people, moving from 208 to 280), while the 15 to 24 age bracket is projected to increase by 1% (an increase of 1 people).
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Black River (Qld)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 50 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,493 at the 2021 Census → 1,645 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30268). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.