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

As of 1 November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Black River (Qld) is around 1,680. This figure represents an increase of 187 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,493. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Black River by AreaSearch in June 2024 indicated a resident population of 1,649. This was validated with an additional 45 new addresses since the Census date. The current population density is approximately 27 persons per square kilometer. Between the 2021 Census and November 2025, Black River's growth rate of 12.5% exceeded both the SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration contributed around 68.0% of overall population gains during this period. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's regional areas, with Black River expected to expand by 291 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Black River when compared nationally

Black River has seen approximately 7 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 38 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 2.8 new residents per dwelling has been recorded over these 5 years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $445,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers in Black River. This financial year, $65,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly focused on residential development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Black River has seen slightly more development, with 19.0% above the regional average per person over the past 5 years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The location has approximately 165 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Black River is expected to grow by 205 residents through to 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Black River has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially affecting this area. Notable projects encompass Sunshine State Solar Farm and Battery, Bruce Highway (Townsville-Ingham) upgrade program, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Flinders Highway (Townsville - Torrens Creek) Pavement Strengthening and Rehabilitation (Package 1), with the following list outlining those likely to be most pertinent.

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.

The employment landscape in Black River presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.5%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Black River has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent among residents.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Black River is 3.5%, lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. There are 815 residents employed, with a workforce participation rate of 63.6%. Major employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence, at 10.4% compared to 16.1% regionally. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.9%, employment declined by 3.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force expansion of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Black River's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Black River is above average nationally. The median income is $66,811 and the average income stands at $75,488. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $76,158 (median) and $86,049 (average). Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Black River are around the 58th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 38.7% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 650 residents falling into this range. This pattern is similar to the region where 31.7% of residents earn within this 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Black River, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Black River stood at 33.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.0% and rented ones at 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 the Australian 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 make up 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (39.1%). Educational participation is high at 30.1%, comprising primary education (12.6%), secondary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (2.9%).

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment area, requiring residents to access educational facilities in neighboring regions.

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. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~959 people), compared to 53.3% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. As of 16th June 2021, the area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (278 people), which is higher than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld.

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 found to be below average, with 89.9% of its population being citizens, 91.2% born in Australia, and 98.5% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Black River is Christianity, accounting for 56.3% of the population, compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (32.2%), English (31.9%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Samoan representation is higher in Black River at 0.4%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal representation is 4.1% in Black River, slightly lower than the regional average of 5.0%. German ancestry is present at 4.0% in both Black River and the rest of Queensland.

Black River hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Black River is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Black River has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (14.5%) but fewer residents aged 85+ (0.2%). As per the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.1% to 10.0% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Black River's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 286 people from 220, while the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to decline in population.