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 suburb of Black River's population is estimated at around 1,682 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 189 people (12.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,493 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,638 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 27 persons per square kilometer. Black River's 12.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%) and 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, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the suburb of Black River expected to expand by 288 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.9% in total 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 indicates Black River has seen approximately 8 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 41 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.6 new residents per year over these five years, suggesting solid demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $445,000. This financial year, $938,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting 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 five-year period, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. All building activity in recent times consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space, with approximately 242 people per dwelling approval indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Black River is expected to grow by around 200 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Black River has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery, Bruce Highway upgrade program between Townsville and Ingham, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Flinders Highway Pavement Strengthening and Rehabilitation Package 1. The following list details 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 both white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being notably prominent. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than the Rest of Qld's 4.1%. As of September 2025823 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 0.9% below the regional average.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%. Census data shows 10.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 10.4%, compared to the regional 16.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as shown by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a year ending September 2025, labour force increased by 0.4% while employment declined by 0.4%, raising unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Black River's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 shows that in financial year 2023, Black River suburb had a median income of $66,811 and an average income of $75,488. This is higher than the Rest of Qld's figures, which were a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Black River would be approximately $73,432 (median) and $82,969 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Black River cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. The distribution shows that the largest segment comprises 38.7% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with a total of 650 residents in this income bracket. This pattern is similar to the region where 31.7% fall within this income range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Black River is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Black River, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.2% consisting of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld where 76.4% of dwellings were houses and 23.6% were other types. Home ownership in Black River stood at 33.1%, mirroring Non-Metro Qld's figure, with the rest being mortgaged (57.0%) or rented (9.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Black River was recorded at $320, compared to $345 for Non-Metro Qld. Nationally, Black River's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~960 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (275 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld, but national rankings are even higher than the general population.

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 cultural diversity was below average, with 89.9% 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 52.2% regionally. Top ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (31.9%), and Irish (8.8%).

Samoan representation was notably higher at 0.4% versus regional 0.2%. Australian Aboriginal stood at 4.1%, slightly above the regional average of 3.9%. German representation was 4.0%, lower than the regional 4.7%.

Black River's median age exceeds the national pattern

Black River has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 14.4% of Black River's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 85+ cohort makes up only 0.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.0% to 5.1%, but the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.0% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Black River's age profile. Notably, the 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 287 from 223. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.