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Balnagowan

QLD 4740 • Queensland

438
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
40.96 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalQuietAffordableCommuter Belt
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About Balnagowan

Balnagowan is a rural locality in Queensland's Mackay Region, situated approximately 20.7 kilometres west of Mackay CBD within the Pioneer Valley hinterland. With a population of 438 at the 2021 Census, the locality spans around 41 square kilometres of predominantly flat agricultural land, governed under the Mackay Regional Council. The median household income of around $56,413 sits above many comparable small rural localities, reflecting a working agricultural community anchored by sugarcane farming.

The surrounding landscape is defined by the iconic sugarcane fields of the Mackay Region, one of Australia's largest sugar-producing areas, giving Balnagowan its distinctly rural character. Neighbouring townships like Marian and Walkerston are close by for everyday services, while Mackay's full range of schools, shopping centres, and medical facilities is accessible within a short drive. Balnagowan suits those seeking peaceful rural living with affordable land and the quiet charm of Queensland's cane country.

Balnagowan falls under postcode 4740 and is governed by the Mackay Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Dawson, while state elections fall under the Whitsunday electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4740
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.34°, 149.06°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
40.96 km²
Population Density
11 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4740

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4740, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$56,413
Median 2023–24
$68,683
▲ 21.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$84,174

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4740; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Mackay
22 km
N/A – drive required

Bus Services

  • No regular service — N/A N/A

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
21 km
By Train
No direct train service to Balnagowan
By Car (Peak)
25–35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20–25 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport; Pioneer Valley Road connects to Mackay

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Balnagowan is a rural locality with no footpaths or local shops; all errands require driving to nearby Marian or Mackay

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
438
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
694.6 / 100k
2yr Down 16.1% 10yr Down 34.3%
Motor vehicle theft
316.5 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 42.1%
Non-FV assault
1,256 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 128.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
16.2 / 100k
2yr Down 26.7% 10yr Up 110.6%
Steal from vehicle
716.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Mackay →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balnagowan known for? +

Balnagowan is known for its rural and agricultural character, situated in the heart of Queensland's famous Pioneer Valley sugarcane country, west of Mackay. The locality is typical of the Mackay Region's cane-growing hinterland, with a quiet community feel and broad open paddocks.

How far is Balnagowan from Mackay CBD? +

Balnagowan is approximately 20.7 kilometres west of Mackay CBD, typically a 25–35 minute drive via Pioneer Valley Road in normal traffic conditions.

Does Balnagowan have public transport? +

Balnagowan has no regular public bus service and no train station. The nearest train station is Mackay, approximately 22 kilometres away. A private vehicle is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Balnagowan? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balnagowan has a population of 438 residents across approximately 134 dwellings, making it a small, tightly-knit rural community.

Is Balnagowan a good place to live? +

Balnagowan offers a quiet rural lifestyle with affordable land and a strong agricultural community spirit. It suits those who value open space, privacy, and a country way of life, with Mackay's full range of services and amenities a short drive away.

What is the postcode for Balnagowan? +

The postcode for Balnagowan is 4740, which also covers Mackay and the surrounding Pioneer Valley region.

Is Balnagowan a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Balnagowan is part of the Mackay 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.