Black River (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Black River reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Black River (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 1682 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 189 people (12.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1493 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1638, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer. The Black River (Qld) (SA2)'s 12.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 6.9%, along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the Black River (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 294 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 12.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Black River recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Black River had approximately 8 new homes approved each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 41 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 2.6 new residents per dwelling was estimated, suggesting solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes over this period was $445,000. This year, $938,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Black River has seen slightly more development, with 29.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and focus on family homes. The location has approximately 242 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Black River is expected to grow by 206 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

No factor influences an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to impact this area. Key projects include Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery, Bruce Highway upgrade program (Townsville-Ingham), Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Flinders Highway Pavement Strengthening and Rehabilitation Package 1, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment positions Black River ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Black River's workforce comprises a mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with the construction sector being notably prominent. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 3.2%.

Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable. As of September 2025826 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Black River was 63.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Construction employment levels were at 1.5 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance had a limited presence with 10.4% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the past year, labour force increased by 0.5%, but employment declined by 0.2%, resulting in a rise of 0.7 percentage points in unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov showed QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Black River's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 indicates that median income in Black River suburb is $66,811, with average income at $75,488. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Black River would be approximately $73,432 and average income $82,969 by that date. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Black River are at the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 38.7% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (650 residents), similar to the regional pattern where 31.7% fall within this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power in the area which has a SEIFA income ranking in the 4th decile.

Black River is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluation of dwelling structures in Black River showed that 97.8% were houses and 2.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Black River was at 33.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (57.0%) or rented (9.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Black River was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Black River's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.0% of all households, including 34.2% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.0%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Black River exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (39.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Black River is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Black River faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 960 people), compared to 53.9% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 8.5% of residents respectively. About 67.2% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 16.6% (around 279 people), compared to 14.9% in the rest of Queensland.

The latest Census data sees Black River placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Black River's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 89.9% being citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.3%, compared to 52.7% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (32.2%), English (31.9%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notable differences included Samoan representation at 0.4% (vs regional 0.1%), Australian Aboriginal at 4.1% (vs 5.0%), and German at 4.0% (vs regional 4.0%).

Black River's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Black River is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average and somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Black River has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (14.5%) but fewer residents aged 85+ (0.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 9.1% to 10.0%, while the 45-54 age group declined from 14.0% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Black River's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 29% (64 people), reaching 285 from 220. Conversely, the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.