Blackwater

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Blackwater's estimated population is around 5,076. This reflects an increase of 374 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,702 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,033 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7.7 persons per square kilometer. Blackwater's growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilized. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally is anticipated. Blackwater is expected to increase by 229 persons to reach a total population of around 5,305 by the year 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of approximately 3.7% in total 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

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 FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 20 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests solid demand that supports property values, with new homes being built at an average value of $501,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction.

There have also been $4.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Blackwater shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 21st percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. However, construction activity has intensified recently. 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 in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Blackwater is expected to grow by 186 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified three projects potentially affecting the area: Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme, Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal, Blackwater Solar Farm, and Blackwater South Coking Coal Project. The following details projects likely to have most relevance.

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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. Its unemployment rate was 6.4% as of an unspecified date. As of December 2025, 2,990 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.4%, above Regional Queensland's (Qld) rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Blackwater was 81.9%, higher than Qld's 65.4%. Census data showed that only 3.5% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts were not specified. Leading employment industries among Blackwater residents included mining, accommodation and food services, and education and training. The area had a strong specialization in mining, with an employment share 12.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care and social assistance was under-represented, at 3.7% of Blackwater's workforce compared to Qld's 16.1%. The labour force decreased by 3.4% between December 2024 and December 2025, with employment declining by 2.2%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Blackwater's employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile. These projections do not account for localised population changes.

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

The suburb of Blackwater had a median taxpayer income of $91,875 and an average income of $105,278 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $100,980 (median) and $115,711 (average), based on a 9.91% growth in wages since the financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Blackwater all rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 93rd percentiles. The predominant income bracket spans 36.3% of locals (1,842 people), with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the regional trend where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident through 37.7% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. 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 dwelling structure in Blackwater, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Blackwater was 11.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (23.7%) or rented (65.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $220, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Blackwater's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Blackwater has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average 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 make up 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.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 12.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 48.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (41.3%).

Educational participation is 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (3,497 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.9 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 75.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 5.3% of residents aged 65 and over (269 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are 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. The dominant religion in Blackwater is Christianity, comprising 47.0% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Blackwater are Australian (33.4%), English (26.9%), and Irish (7.3%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Maori is overrepresented at 2.3% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Australian Aboriginal is at 7.2% versus 3.9%, and German is at 4.0% compared to 4.7%.

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

Blackwater's median age is 30 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Blackwater has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Blackwater's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 18.0% to 20.4%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 13.6% to 11.7%. By 2041, projections indicate significant demographic shifts in Blackwater's population. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 16%, adding 170 residents and reaching a total of 1,206. Conversely, populations aged 55-64 and 5-14 are projected to decline.