🔍

Alice River

QLD 4817 • Rest of QLD

2,685
Population (2021)
$128,336
Median Household Income
39.76 km²
Area
$415/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralAcreageGrowth SuburbFamily-FriendlyOuter Suburban

About Alice River

Alice River is an outer south-western suburb of Townsville in North Queensland, previously known as Rupertswood. With a population of around 2,685 residents, it covers a large 39.8 square kilometres of semi-rural land. The suburb is bounded by the Hervey Range Developmental Road to the north and features a mix of acreage properties and newer residential developments. Sitting at an elevation of 48 metres, it offers views of the surrounding ranges and a quieter alternative to urban Townsville.

Alice River appeals to families and those seeking a rural lifestyle with proximity to Townsville's amenities, which are about 20 kilometres to the northeast. The suburb features larger blocks ideal for those wanting space, horses, or hobby farming. Local facilities are limited, with residents relying on nearby Thuringowa and Townsville for shopping, schools, and services. The area has seen steady residential growth as Townsville expands, attracting buyers priced out of closer-in suburbs.

Alice River falls under postcode 4817 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hinchinbrook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4817
Urban Area
Thuringowa
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hinchinbrook
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.35°, 146.63°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
39.76 km²
Elevation
48m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$415
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
3.1 people
Median Age
38 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited Townsville Bus services — Townsville CBD / Thuringowa 30-45 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
20 km
By Train
N/A
By Bus
40-50 min (limited frequency)
By Car (Peak)
25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20 min

🛣️ Car essential; bus services are infrequent to this outer area

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very limited walkable amenities; car required for virtually all errands and commuting.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Townsville Local Government Area, which contains Alice River. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
2yr Down 40.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.0% 10yr Up 17.0%
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 250.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
2yr Down 35.4% 10yr Up 52.8%
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Townsville →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,425
Census 2021
2,685
▲ 10.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,992
Personal Income 2021
$51,792
▲ 17.7% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$51,792 / yr
$996/wk
Household
$128,336 / yr
$2468/wk
Family
$127,192 / yr
$2446/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,375
Born Overseas 240

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 76
  • 2. New Zealand 46
  • 3. South Africa 16
  • 4. Zimbabwe 15
  • 5. Scotland 13
  • 6. United States 8
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 7
  • 8. Philippines 7
  • 9. India 6
  • 10. Malaysia 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,234
English 1,170
Scottish 311
Irish 285
Italian 183
German 158
Australian Aboriginal 124
Dutch 35
Chinese 24
Filipino 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,999
Both parents born in Australia
322
Both parents born overseas
289
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
55.8%
No Religion
39.9%
Buddhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
167 (6.2%)
5-14 years
442 (16.5%)
15-19 years
186 (6.9%)
20-24 years
134 (5.0%)
25-34 years
316 (11.8%)
35-44 years
398 (14.8%)
45-54 years
398 (14.8%)
55-64 years
336 (12.5%)
65-74 years
219 (8.2%)
75-84 years
74 (2.8%)
85+ years
12 (0.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alice River known for? +

Alice River is an outer south-western suburb of Townsville in North Queensland, previously known as Rupertswood. With a population of around 2,685 residents, it covers a large 39.8 square kilometres of semi-rural land.

How far is Alice River from Brisbane CBD? +

Alice River is approximately 20 km from Townsville CBD. By car, the journey takes around 20 min off-peak and 25 min during peak hours.

Does Alice River have public transport? +

Alice River is served by bus routes connecting to Townsville CBD / Thuringowa, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Alice River? +

According to the 2021 Census, Alice River has a population of approximately 2,685 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Townsville (City).

Is Alice River a good place to live? +

Alice River offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local amenities and services. It suits a range of residents from families to retirees, depending on personal preferences for pace of life and proximity to urban centres.

What is the postcode for Alice River? +

The postcode for Alice River, QLD is 4817.

What is the average income in Alice River? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Alice River is about $996 per week (around $51,800 per year). The median household income is $2,468 per week and the median family income is $2,446 per week.

What is the age profile of Alice River? +

The median age in Alice River is 38. The largest age group is 5–14 (442 residents, around 16%). Around 30% of residents are under 20 and about 11% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Alice River a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Alice River is part of the Townsville LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Alice River? +

In Alice River, the median weekly rent is $415, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).