Alton Downs

QLD 4702 • Rest of QLD

1,324
Population (2021)
$108,004
Median Household Income
177.47 km²
Area
$330/wk
Median Rent
RuralPastoralQuietCar-DependentAffordable

About Alton Downs

Alton Downs is a spacious rural locality situated approximately 19.5 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton CBD in Central Queensland, falling within the Rockhampton Region council area. With a population of 1,324 spread across 177 square kilometres, the locality has a very low density of around seven residents per square kilometre, giving it a distinctly open, pastoral character. The median household income of $2,077 per week reflects the strong agricultural and resource sector employment available in the broader Rockhampton region, and the community has a median age of 41, with predominantly Australian and English ancestry.

Life in Alton Downs revolves around rural and agricultural pursuits, with large properties and wide open spaces defining the landscape. Residents rely heavily on private vehicles to access services and amenities in Rockhampton, the nearest regional centre with full retail, healthcare, and dining options. The locality suits those who value quiet country living, farming lifestyles, and the wide horizons of Central Queensland's pastoral country, while remaining within a reasonable drive of a substantial regional city.

Alton Downs falls under postcode 4702 and is governed by Rockhampton Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mirani electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4702
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.31°, 150.37°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
177.47 km²
Elevation
23m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$330
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,863
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
41 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus service — Rockhampton CBD N/A

Commute to Rockhampton CBD

Distance
20 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
20-30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Access via Capricorn Highway and local roads; car essential for all errands

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural locality with no footpaths or local shops; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
1,754.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
626.7 / 100k
Non-FV assault
2,283.9 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
37.1 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
969 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,278
Census 2021
1,324
3.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$38,012
Personal Income 2021
$47,424
24.8% 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
$47,424 / yr
$912/wk
Household
$108,004 / yr
$2077/wk
Family
$118,664 / yr
$2282/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,175
Born Overseas 44

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 17
  • 2. England 8
  • 3. South Africa 6
  • 4. Netherlands 4
  • 5. Scotland 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 657
English 503
Irish 187
Scottish 136
German 99
Australian Aboriginal 29
Dutch 22
Italian 22
New Zealander 11
French 10

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,093
Both parents born in Australia
53
Both parents born overseas
79
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
63.7%
No Religion
26.0%
Buddhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
76 (5.7%)
5-14 years
177 (13.4%)
15-19 years
91 (6.9%)
20-24 years
60 (4.5%)
25-34 years
154 (11.6%)
35-44 years
164 (12.4%)
45-54 years
182 (13.7%)
55-64 years
223 (16.8%)
65-74 years
136 (10.3%)
75-84 years
47 (3.5%)
85+ years
16 (1.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alton Downs known for? +

Alton Downs is known for its expansive pastoral character and rural lifestyle, with large agricultural properties set across open Central Queensland countryside approximately 19.5 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton.

How far is Alton Downs from Rockhampton? +

Alton Downs is approximately 19.5 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton CBD, typically a 20–30 minute drive via the Capricorn Highway and local roads.

Does Alton Downs have public transport? +

Alton Downs has no scheduled public transport services. There is no rail connection and no regular bus routes; a private vehicle is essential for accessing Rockhampton and surrounding services.

What is the population of Alton Downs? +

According to the 2021 Census, Alton Downs has a population of 1,324 people, spread across a large area of approximately 177 square kilometres at a very low density of around 7 residents per km².

Is Alton Downs a good place to live? +

Alton Downs appeals to those who value wide open spaces, rural lifestyle, and a tight-knit country community, while being within practical driving distance of Rockhampton's full range of services and amenities.

What is the postcode for Alton Downs? +

The postcode for Alton Downs is 4702, shared with Rockhampton and surrounding Central Queensland localities.

What is the average income in Alton Downs? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Alton Downs is about $912 per week (around $47,400 per year). The median household income is $2,077 per week and the median family income is $2,282 per week.

What is the age profile of Alton Downs? +

The median age in Alton Downs is 41. The largest age group is 55–64 (223 residents, around 17%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Alton Downs a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Alton Downs is part of the Rockhampton 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 Alton Downs? +

In Alton Downs, the median weekly rent is $330, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,863 (2021 Census).