Blackwater

Blackwater has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Blackwater as of May 2026 is around 5,060. This figure reflects an increase of 358 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,702. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 5,054 in June 2025 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 7.7 persons per square kilometer. Blackwater's growth rate of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.3%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to increase by 174 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 3.3% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Blackwater according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Blackwater has recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 20 homes were approved, with a further 21 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 7.1 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $501,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $4.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. Comparatively, Blackwater shows approximately 67% of the construction activity per person relative to the Rest of Qld, and it places among the 21st percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing properties. However, construction activity has intensified recently. The national average indicates the area's established nature and suggests potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 768 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Blackwater is expected to grow by 168 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may impact this region. Key projects are Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme, Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal, Blackwater Solar Farm, and Blackwater South Coking Coal Project. The following 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.

Blackwater shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Blackwater's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 6.5% in aggregated statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2999 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.9%, exceeding Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was high at 82.6%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. Census data showed that only 3.5% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were mining, accommodation & food, and education & training, with mining particularly strong at 12.5 times the regional level. However, healthcare & social assistance was under-represented at 3.7%, compared to Regional Queensland's 16.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Blackwater's labour force decreased by 3.3% alongside a 2.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment grow by 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blackwater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

Blackwater's median taxpayer income is $91,875 and average income is $105,278 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, this is exceptionally high compared to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, current estimates project a median income of approximately $102,312 and an average income of $117,238, considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. Blackwater's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 36.3% of locals (1,836 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the regional trend where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 37.7% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 91.4% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power.

Blackwater is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Blackwater, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackwater was 11.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.7% and rented ones at 65.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Blackwater was $220, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Blackwater's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Blackwater has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.9% of all households, including 32.8% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.

Blackwater faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 48.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (41.3%). Educational participation is high, with 39.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 16.9% in primary, 11.6% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 39.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.9% in primary education, 11.6% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Blackwater faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (3,486 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.9 and 7.9% of residents respectively. However, 75.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 5.7% of residents aged 65 and over (288 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Blackwater is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Blackwater's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 77.9% of its population being citizens, 88.0% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Blackwater, comprising 47.0% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (26.9%), and Irish (7.3%).

Notably, Maori representation was higher at 2.3% in Blackwater compared to the regional average of 0.8%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.2%, compared to 3.9% regionally. German representation was lower at 4.0%, compared to 4.7% regionally.

Blackwater hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Blackwater's median age of 31 years is notably younger than Regional Queensland's 41 years and significantly younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises a strong 19.7% of Blackwater's population, compared to Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent at 4.1%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Blackwater's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 18.0% to 19.7%, while the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 13.6% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Blackwater, with the 25-34 age group projected to increase by 158 people (a 16% rise) from 996 to 1,155. Conversely, population declines are forecasted for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.