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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
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Black River (Qld) records an estimated population of approximately 1,645, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS demographic releases with address validations performed post-Census. Comparing this with the 1,493 residents counted in the 2021 Census reveals an addition of 152 people, or an expansion of 10.2%. This updated resident figure of 1,645 incorporates the June 2025 ABS ERP data release alongside 50 validated new addresses identified following the Census. Demographic density remains low and spacious at 26 persons per square kilometer. Outperforming both the SA4 region (7.2%) and the SA3 area, the suburb of Black River (Qld) distinguished itself as a regional growth leader with its 10.2% increase since the 2021 census.
Net interstate migration served as the primary growth catalyst, generating roughly 68.0% of recent population gains, with overseas migration and natural growth also delivering positive contributions. For demographic projections across individual SA2 areas, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia models issued in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. In locations beyond the scope of this dataset or extending past 2032, projections produced by the Queensland State Government in 2023 (utilising 2021 data) are used instead. Because the state government figures omit age cohort breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings sourced from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 based on 2022 data) across each age group. Factoring in these future demographic patterns, the suburb of Black River (Qld) is forecast to achieve population expansion exceeding the median for national regional areas, climbing by 261 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2-level modelling, which amounts to a total gain of 15.9% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
47 new dwellings have been approved in Black River (Qld) over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 6.5 approvals per 1,000 residents. 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
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicates that Black River has recorded an annual average of roughly 9 residential approvals, amounting to an estimated 47 homes throughout the past 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 4 approvals have been lodged. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 3.1 people relocated locally for every home constructed across the past 5 financial years, creating a dynamic where demand clearly outpaces additions to housing stock, which tends to fuel buyer competition and elevate property prices. Newly constructed residential properties show an average value of $441,000, sitting below wider regional benchmarks to provide purchasers with relatively affordable entry points.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $938,000 this financial year, underscoring the predominantly residential orientation of the area. Per capita residential development in Black River exceeds the Rest of Qld benchmark by 56.0%, providing greater variety for purchasers despite a recent slowdown in building activity. Furthermore, recent residential activity has consisted purely of standalone houses, preserving the neighbourhood's established low-density setting and family-friendly focus on spacious living. With a ratio of approximately 271 people per dwelling approval, the local construction market continues to develop. Projections indicate that Black River will add 261 residents through to 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction activity is keeping reasonable pace with anticipated demographic expansion, though prospective buyers might encounter tighter competition as population numbers increase.
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 investment, town planning initiatives, and major regional works play a vital role in shaping community development. At present, no major initiatives have been identified by AreaSearch as having a direct local impact. Key broader infrastructure developments encompass the Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery, the Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and the Flinders Highway (Townsville - Torrens Creek) Pavement Strengthening and Rehabilitation (Package 1), with details below outlining those holding potential relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
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.
820 residents of Black River (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 846. Unemployment sits at 3.0%, with participation at 63.2%. 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 1,267, 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
Black River maintains a well-distributed labour profile comprising white-collar and blue-collar occupations, featuring especially notable participation across construction trades alongside a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, according to statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 820, with local unemployment tracking 1.0% beneath the 3.9% recorded across Regional Qld, and labour force participation closely aligning with the Regional Qld rate of 64.2%. Census figures indicated that 10.4% of employed locals conducted their work from home, though this metric was subject to Covid-19 lockdown conditions. The primary industries employing local residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
Construction represents a distinct regional specialisation, recording a local workforce concentration 1.5 times the regional norm. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 10.4% of local employment, trailing the Regional Qld benchmark of 16.1%. Evaluating the count of working individuals against the resident population in Census findings points to a relatively constrained local job base within the immediate area. According to AreaSearch analysis combining SALM and ABS statistical data across broader areas, the 12 months to March 2026 saw the local labour force contract by 1.4% alongside an identical 1.4% drop in employment, while unemployment held steady. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld experienced an employment uptick of 0.1%, a 0.3% increase in the labour pool, and a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Looking to broader trajectories, national employment forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26 provide context for future workforce requirements in Black River. Projected over five-year and ten-year horizons against local industry distributions, nationwide employment is expected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with substantial variation across individual sectors. When applying these sectoral projections to the employment structure of Black River, local employment is estimated to expand by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (note that this extrapolation uses simple weighting for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate local demographic forecasts).
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
According to postcode-level ATO records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, personal earnings in Black River notably surpass national averages, with the median standing at $66,811 and the mean reaching $75,488. These figures compare favourably to Regional Qld, where the median is $53,146 and the average is $66,593. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 place the median income around $74,401 and the average at $84,063. The 2021 Census situated household, family, and individual earnings in Black River around the 58th percentile across Australia.
In terms of distribution, 38.7% of income earners fall into the weekly bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 (636 residents), mirroring the wider regional proportion of 31.7%. After meeting residential housing payments, households retain 87.0% of their earnings, highlighting solid discretionary capacity, while the locality is positioned within the 4th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
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
Data from the latest Census shows that separate houses constituted 97.8% of all residential structures in Black River, while semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings made up 2.2%, contrasting with Regional Qld where houses represented 76.4% and other dwelling types comprised 23.6%. Outright home ownership stood at 33.1%, matching the Regional Qld level, with remaining residences occupied under a mortgage (57.0%) or rented (9.9%). Mortgage holders paid a median monthly amount of $1,625, and median weekly rent stood at $320, both tracking below the Regional Qld figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively.
Relative to broader national standards, mortgage commitments in Black River sit well under the Australian median of $1,863, while local rental costs remain appreciably lower than the national benchmark 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
The local household structure is predominantly family-oriented, with families accounting for 80.0% of homes, including couples with children at 34.2%, couples without children at 33.2%, and one-parent families at 11.4%. The remaining 20.0% consists of non-family arrangements, divided between single-person households at 17.2% and share accommodation at 2.9%. The median household size in the area is 2.7 people, exceeding the Regional Qld benchmark 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
Higher education qualifications present a key area for development, as only 10.2% of residents hold university degrees compared to 30.4% across Australia, highlighting an opportunity for focused educational programs. Within tertiary attainments, bachelor degrees comprise 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 0.5%. Meanwhile, vocational qualifications are widely held, with 48.7% of the population aged 15+ possessing trade or technical credentials, including certificates (39.1%) and advanced diplomas (9.6%). Engagement in learning is strong throughout the community, with 30.1% of locals actively enrolled in educational courses. Primary school pupils make up 12.6% of residents, secondary students account for 7.4%, and 2.9% are undertaking tertiary studies.
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
Health assessments by AreaSearch indicate notable challenges locally across mortality metrics and chronic disease frequency, with general health conditions appearing across both younger and older cohorts. Meanwhile, private health insurance coverage is extensive, held by roughly 57% of residents (~939 people), outperforming the Regional Qld rate of 52.5%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments recorded in the locality, affecting 8.6 and 8.5% of the community respectively, whereas 67.2% of locals reported having no chronic medical conditions, closely mirroring the 67.6% seen across Regional Qld. Chronic health issues are notably pronounced among working-age residents.
Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over represent 17.7% of the population (291 people), sitting below the Regional Qld share of 20.3%, with national rankings surpassing those of the broader populace.
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 metrics in Black River sit below typical benchmarks, with Australian citizens comprising 89.9% of residents, 91.2% being Australian-born, and 98.5% speaking exclusively English at home. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 56.3% of the community compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. When examining parental lineage, the most prevalent ancestries in Black River are Australian (32.2%, exceeding the regional benchmark of 26.5%), English (31.9%), and Irish (8.8%). Additional ancestral representations show distinct local patterns, with Samoan background recorded at 0.4% (compared to 0.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 4.1% (compared to 3.9%), and German lineage at 4.0% (compared to 4.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Black River (Qld) is 41. 23.0% 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 age distribution in Black River closely mirrors the profile of Regional Qld, with the largest divergence across the four main cohorts being 2.7 percentage points. The median age is estimated at 41, holding steady from the 2021 Census and matching the Regional Qld median of 41 recorded at that time. Since the Census, the most noticeable demographic transition has occurred within the 45 - 64 age bracket, contracting from 28.8% to an estimated 26.8% of the local population. Looking toward 2041, younger to middle-aged adults aged 25 - 44 are projected to drive the majority of demographic expansion, increasing by 110 residents (26%) to reach 539.
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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 Aug 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 Aug 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.