Blackwater

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

The population of the Blackwater statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 5,076 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase from the population reported in the 2021 Census, which was 4,702 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,033 based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7.7 persons per square kilometer. The Blackwater (SA2) experienced an 8.0% growth rate since the 2021 census, which exceeded both the SA3 area's 5.9% and the SA4 region's growth rates, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in June 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 December 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in September 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated. The Blackwater (SA2) is expected to increase by 228 persons to reach a total population of 5,304 by the year 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall gain of 2.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Blackwater, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Blackwater has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 20 homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 2.5 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, suggesting solid demand supporting property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $501,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $4.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Blackwater shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person and places among the 21st percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing properties. 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 759 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Blackwater is expected to grow by 117 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 likely to impact the area. 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 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.

The labour market performance in Blackwater lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Blackwater's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 8.2%, higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

There are 2,982 residents employed, with a participation rate of 67.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading industries include mining (12.5 times the regional level), accommodation & food, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 3.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, with a working population vs resident population count indicating this.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 1.0% while employment declined by 1.2%, raising unemployment by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blackwater's mix suggests local employment could grow by 4.2% in five years and 10.4% in 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

The median taxpayer income in Blackwater is $91,875 and the average is $105,278, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is notably higher than the national figures of $53,146 median and $66,593 average for Rest of Qld. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $100,980 (median) and $115,711 (average). Blackwater ranks highly nationally for household, family, and personal incomes, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles. The predominant income bracket in Blackwater is $1,500 - 2,999, comprising 36.3% of locals (1,842 people), similar to the regional trend at 31.7%. Economic strength is evident with 37.7% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, indicating robust consumer spending power. After housing costs, residents retain 91.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

The latest Census evaluation showed that dwelling structures in Blackwater comprised 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 86.6% houses and 13.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackwater was at 11.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.7%) or rented (65.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Blackwater was $1,083, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,500 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Blackwater was recorded at $220, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $250 and the national figure of $375.

Blackwater has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, aligning with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 - advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 41.3%. Educational participation is high, with 39.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.9% in primary, 11.6% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Blackwater's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Blackwater shows excellent health outcomes, with both younger and older age groups having low prevalence of common conditions. Approximately 69% of Blackwater's total population (3,497 people) has private health cover, compared to 59.1% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.9 and 7.9% respectively, while 75.1% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 74.5%.

Blackwater has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 5.0%, or 253 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 10.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's profile.

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 born in Australia who speak English only at home. The majority religion in Blackwater is Christianity, practiced by 47.0%, compared to the regional average of 56.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (33.4%), English (26.9%), and Irish (7.3%).

Notably, Maori representation is higher than the regional average at 2.3% versus 1.4%, while Australian Aboriginal is slightly higher at 7.2% compared to 6.6%. German ancestry is also notable, with a difference of 0.7% in its representation compared to the region.

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

Blackwater's median age is 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Blackwater has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (19.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Blackwater's population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 18.0% to 19.9%, while the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.6% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Blackwater, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age group (19%), which is expected to add 186 residents and reach a total of 1,197. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 55-64 age cohorts.