Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Blackwater has an estimated 5,071 residents, up from 4,702 at the 2021 Census — a change of 369 people, or 7.8%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 84.0% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. 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 Blackwater has an estimated population of approximately 5,071, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS demographic releases alongside post-Census validated address counts. Compared with the 2021 Census tally of 4,702 people, this represents an addition of 369 people (7.8%). This variation is drawn from an AreaSearch resident population estimate of 5,065 based on the ABS ERP data release from June 2025 together with 41 validated new addresses identified following the Census date. With a density ratio of 7.7 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Blackwater offers a spacious residential setting.
Outpacing both the SA4 region and the SA3 area (6.3%), the suburb of Blackwater emerged as a regional growth leader with its 7.8% post-2021 census expansion. Natural growth served as the primary demographic driver, accounting for roughly 84.0% of recent population additions. SA2-level demographic projections released in 2024 (benchmarked to 2022) by the ABS and Geoscience Australia are utilised by AreaSearch. For any SA2s omitted from that series and for periods beyond 2032, figures rely on Queensland State Government SA2 projections published in 2023 from 2021 data. Because age breakdowns are not included in these state releases, AreaSearch distributes age cohorts using proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 (using 2022 baseline data). Looking at anticipated demographic shifts, future growth in the suburb of Blackwater is expected to track within the lower quartile of Australian non-metropolitan localities, with combined SA2 projections pointing to an increase of 166 persons by 2041, representing an overall rise of 3.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Blackwater remains very subdued, averaging 2 new dwellings approved per year, or 14 approvals over a five-year timeframe. Such modest construction volumes highlight the locality's rural profile, in which building activity is generally stimulated by distinct local residential requirements instead of widespread market demand. Because overall approval counts are small, individual developments can create substantial fluctuations in annual comparisons and growth rates. Building activity in Blackwater trails both Rest of Qld and broader national averages by a considerable margin. Furthermore, detached dwellings have accounted for all recent residential development, reflecting rural lifestyle demands centered on space and privacy.
Demonstrating this unhurried and low-volume building landscape, the locality records roughly 387 people per approved dwelling. According to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, Blackwater is projected to expand by 160 residents by 2041. Should dwelling approval volumes remain at current levels, new residential construction could struggle to match population expansion, potentially tightening buyer competition and reinforcing upward price momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Blackwater
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Blackwater. A further 40 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.25 billion. 14 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, health & medical and sports & recreation. 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 capital programs, infrastructure enhancements, and statutory planning changes exert a substantial influence on an area's trajectory. AreaSearch has identified 3 significant projects positioned to influence the locality. Key initiatives of primary interest include Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme, Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal, Blackwater Solar Farm, and Blackwater South Coking Coal Project.
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
Bringing Blackwater Back into the Planning Scheme
Project to revoke the Blackwater and Blackwater East Priority Development Areas (declared 2010 and 2013) and bring them back into the Central Highlands Regional Council Planning Scheme, enabling consistent development assessment and greater community influence over future zoning. The Minister for Economic Development Queensland approved the Planning Instrument Change for progression in September 2025. Formal public consultation ran from 23 February to 10 April 2026, including drop-in sessions in Blackwater, Emerald and online. Council is now reviewing submissions and preparing a Public Response Report, due to be presented to the General Council Meeting on 22 July 2026, ahead of expected adoption of the amendment in late 2026.
Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal
Replacement of the existing healthcare facility with a new modular design.
Capricorn Highway Widening (Winton Creek to Agricultural College)
Safety upgrade to widen and rehabilitate about 2.5-2.6 km of the Capricorn Highway east of Emerald between Winton Creek and the Emerald Agricultural College. Scope included pavement widening and strengthening, wide centre line treatment, drainage works, sealing and line marking to improve safety and heavy vehicle operations. Funding reported at about $5m across the Australian and Queensland Governments, with delivery by Queensland TMR via contractor Decmil. Indicative completion: 2022.
Codenwarra Road Mixed-Use Development Site
Approved major shopping centre and mixed-use development situated opposite Central Highlands Marketplace on an 11.45 hectare site. To be developed by Development Directive Pty Ltd, the proposed centre will feature a supermarket, 8 individual retail outlets, and 268 car parking spaces. The Central Highlands Regional Council approved a rebate for a change in land use in April 2026 to facilitate the development.
Nogoa Rise Estate Residential Development
Multi-stage residential estate development by Central Highlands Regional Council featuring fully serviced residential lots in Emerald's sought-after Nogoa Rise area. The development has expanded to Stages 5 and 6, offering quality residential opportunities in the growing Central Highlands region.
Emerald Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade
A complete refurbishment and upgrade of the Emergency Department at Emerald Hospital that officially opened in April 2024. The upgrade improves patient flow and provides better access to care closer to home. Features include improved privacy, additional clinical consultation spaces, resuscitation bays, better treatment spaces for mental health crisis patients, and a safer treatment environment.
Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Redevelopment
A 7 million AUD redevelopment of the 42-hectare Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens. The project features the construction of a new permanent, flood-resilient footbridge over the Nogoa River and extensive pathway upgrades to improve safety, connectivity, and accessibility for the community.
Gregory-Capricorn Highway Intersection Upgrade
Intersection upgrade at the junction of Gregory and Capricorn Highways in Emerald, involving widening approaches, installing traffic signals, and improving turning lanes. The upgrade enhances safety and reduces congestion at this critical junction serving both local and through traffic. The project also included pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
2,981 residents of Blackwater are employed, from a labour force of 3,167. Unemployment sits at 5.9%, with participation at 81.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,686, about 73% 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
Statistical area figures compiled by AreaSearch indicate that Blackwater's labour market encompasses a blend of white and blue collar roles, marked by substantial industrial and manufacturing representation alongside an unemployment rate of 5.9%. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,981, with local joblessness tracking 2.0% above the 3.9% recorded across Regional Qld. Concurrently, labour force participation reached an elevated 81.7%, well ahead of the 64.2% benchmark in Regional Qld. Census records show just 3.5% of working residents based at home, though this was measured during Covid-19 lockdown conditions. Locals are primarily employed across mining, accommodation & food, and education & training.
Mining represents a particularly heavy concentration locally, engaging workers at 12.5 times the regional rate. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for a smaller footprint at 3.7%, compared with 16.1% across the region. Comparing the Census working population against resident workforce numbers indicates that local employment opportunities remain somewhat limited within the area itself. During the year to March 2026, ABS and SALM figures aggregated by AreaSearch reveal that Blackwater experienced a 5.0% contraction in its labour force and a 2.5% decline in total employment, which led to a 2.4 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment edge up 0.1%, the workforce expand by 0.3%, and joblessness rise 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context on future labour demand for Blackwater. These five- and ten-year forecasts have been applied against the local sector profile to model future trajectories. Across Australia, workforce numbers are projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories diverge by sector. Applying these sectoral weightings to Blackwater's industry breakdown suggests local employment could rise by 4.2% over five years and 10.4% over ten years (serving as an illustrative proportional weighting without accounting for localised demographic forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Blackwater is $2,358 a week (about $123,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,268 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $91,875 a year against an average of $105,278. 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 AreaSearch's compilation of postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023, personal earnings in the suburb of Blackwater sit among the highest in the country, recording a median of $91,875 and an average of $105,278. By comparison, Regional Qld posted a median income of $53,146 alongside an average of $66,593. Applying the 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of roughly $102,312 (median) and $117,238 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows personal, family, and household earnings in Blackwater all ranking between the 86th and 93rd percentiles across Australia.
Examining income brackets, the largest group comprises 36.3% of residents (1,840 people) earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring broader regional trends where 31.7% fall into this tier. Meanwhile, a notable 37.7% earn more than $3,000 weekly, underscoring significant local affluence that underpins community economic strength. Residents also retain 91.4% of earnings after meeting housing commitments, indicating strong disposable income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Blackwater had 1,492 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 5% apartments. 24% are owned with a mortgage, 65% rented and 11% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $220 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 9.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 10.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records indicate that separate houses made up 92.7% of all residences in Blackwater, with 7.3% comprising other dwellings such as semi-detached units and apartments; in Regional Qld, houses accounted for 76.4% and other dwellings 23.6%. Outright home ownership in Blackwater stood at 11.1%, trailing the wider Regional Qld level, with 23.7% of properties mortgaged and 65.3% rented. Typical housing expenses in the locality were notably lower than regional and national figures: median monthly mortgage repayments were $1,083 compared to $1,655 in Regional Qld and $1,863 nationally, while median weekly rent was $220 compared to $345 in Regional Qld and $375 across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Blackwater counted 1,492 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,609 today, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households locally at 70.9%, consisting of couples with children (32.8%), couples without children (24.5%), and single parent families (12.1%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.1%, divided between lone person households at 25.9% and group households at 3.2%. The typical household size sits at 2.6 people, slightly exceeding the 2.5 average seen across Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.4% of adults in Blackwater hold a university qualification, including 9.6% with a bachelor degree and 1.5% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 89% of areas nationally. A further 41.3% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 914 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 861 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment of higher education qualifications in the locality remains comparatively low, with 12.4% holding university degrees against the nationwide benchmark of 30.4%, highlighting a distinct area for future educational support. Bachelor degrees account for the largest share of higher qualifications at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. In contrast, vocational and technical credentials are widespread, with 48.4% of the population aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising certificates (41.3%) and advanced diplomas (7.1%). Current participation in schooling and study is robust, with 39.0% of the local population engaged in formal learning programs.
By schooling level, primary students comprise 16.9%, secondary school attendees account for 11.6%, and 3.7% are enrolled in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Blackwater means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 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
75.1% of residents in Blackwater report no long-term health condition. 2.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 68.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of chronic illness and mortality metrics, Blackwater encounters notable healthcare demands, with prevalent health conditions appearing across both younger and older cohorts. Meanwhile, private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing roughly 69% of all residents (3,494 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a nationwide benchmark of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions represent the leading reported diagnoses, affecting 8.9% and 7.9% of the local population respectively, whereas 75.1% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. General health metrics across the working-age population align closely with typical levels.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 6.1% of the community (309 people), below the 20.3% observed across Regional Qld, and senior residents demonstrate particularly strong health profiles that rank above broader national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Blackwater is largely Australian-born, at 88.0% of residents, with 5.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (33.4%) and English (26.9%). 7.2% 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
Blackwater exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity than broader benchmarks, with Australian citizens making up 77.9% of residents, 88.0% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking only English in the home. Christianity represents the predominant religious affiliation, encompassing 47.0% of the local population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding parental ancestry, the primary reported backgrounds in Blackwater are Australian at 33.4% (exceeding the regional share of 26.5%), English at 26.9%, and Irish at 7.3%. Distinct differences also appear across other cultural backgrounds, with Maori residents comprising 2.3% of the community (versus 0.8% regionally), Australian Aboriginal people representing 7.2% (versus 3.9%), and German ancestry accounting for 4.0% (versus 4.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Blackwater is 31, younger than 93% of areas nationally. 31.9% 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 demographic profile of the suburb of Blackwater is heavily concentrated around families and early career stages, with adults aged 25 - 44 representing 35.9% of the community as at August 2026, compared to 25.5% in Regional Qld. Meanwhile, retirees and seniors aged 65+ make up 6.1%, compared with 20.4% across the region. AreaSearch places the median age at 31 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure, which sits 10 years below the Regional Qld median of 41 and below the national median of 38 recorded at that Census.
By demographic cohort, the 65+ age bracket has grown from 4.6% at the Census to an estimated 6.1% of the population. Looking toward 2041, the 25 - 44 age cohort is projected to see the largest absolute increase, adding 246 people (13%) to reach 2,066, whereas the 65+ group will expand fastest in proportional terms, growing 27% to 393 residents. In contrast, populations across younger cohorts, middle-aged groups, and young retirees are forecast to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Blackwater
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 3 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 Jul 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 — 41 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,702 at the 2021 Census → 5,071 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 (SAL30281). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.