🔍

Black River

QLD 4818 • Rest of QLD

1,493
Population (2021)
$97,916
Median Household Income
61.20 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
RuralFamily-FriendlyAffordable

About Black River

Black River is a rural western suburb of Townsville in the City of Townsville, Queensland, located approximately 23.8 kilometres west of the Townsville CBD and 1,382 kilometres north of Brisbane. The suburb covers a large area of 61.2 square kilometres and had a population of 1,493 in the 2021 census, reflecting its semi-rural character. Named after the Black River that flows through it, the suburb provides a quiet, rural-residential setting on the outskirts of Townsville's urban fringe.

Black River attracts residents seeking acreage living and a country lifestyle within commuting distance of Townsville's employment, services, and amenities. The broad suburb includes a mix of hobby farms, rural residential blocks, and small acreage properties, with residents enjoying the area's open spaces and connection to the natural environment. Essential services are accessed in Townsville's western suburbs, while the Bruce Highway provides good connectivity north and south. The area is popular with families and those working in industries like mining, agriculture, and the Townsville industrial sector.

Black River falls under postcode 4818 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hinchinbrook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4818
Urban Area
Townsville - Northern Beaches
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Hinchinbrook
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.26°, 146.60°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
61.20 km²
Elevation
35m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,625
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
41 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
24 km
By Train
No rail service; car required
By Car (Peak)
30-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-30 min

🛣️ Bruce Highway and Hervey Range Road provide main access routes to Townsville

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very rural area with no public transport or footpaths; vehicle essential for all trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 3 parks and reserves in Black River.

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Townsville Local Government Area, which contains Black 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
1,476
Census 2021
1,493
▲ 1.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,816
Personal Income 2021
$43,888
▲ 19.2% 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
$43,888 / yr
$844/wk
Household
$97,916 / yr
$1883/wk
Family
$107,692 / yr
$2071/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,250
Born Overseas 121

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 34
  • 2. New Zealand 34
  • 3. United States 6
  • 4. Canada 5
  • 5. Italy 5
  • 6. Malaysia 5
  • 7. Philippines 5
  • 8. Germany 4
  • 9. Hong Kong 4
  • 10. Thailand 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 643
English 638
Irish 175
Scottish 155
Australian Aboriginal 82
German 79
Italian 63
Dutch 14
Filipino 13
Polish 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,044
Both parents born in Australia
160
Both parents born overseas
162
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.2%
No Religion
38.5%
Buddhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
89 (6.0%)
5-14 years
213 (14.3%)
15-19 years
80 (5.4%)
20-24 years
56 (3.8%)
25-34 years
186 (12.5%)
35-44 years
201 (13.5%)
45-54 years
210 (14.1%)
55-64 years
221 (14.8%)
65-74 years
170 (11.4%)
75-84 years
60 (4.0%)
85+ years
11 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Black River QLD? +

Black River is a rural suburb located approximately 23.8 kilometres west of Townsville CBD in Queensland, within the City of Townsville local government area.

What is the population of Black River Townsville? +

Black River had a population of 1,493 residents according to the 2021 Australian Census.

Is Black River good for acreage living? +

Yes, Black River is popular for acreage and rural residential properties. The large land blocks, natural surroundings, and relative affordability compared to Townsville's inner suburbs make it attractive to families seeking space and a country lifestyle.

How far is Black River from Townsville CBD? +

Black River is approximately 23.8 kilometres west of the Townsville CBD, typically a 30-minute drive under normal conditions.

What is the average income in Black River? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Black River is about $844 per week (around $43,900 per year). The median household income is $1,883 per week and the median family income is $2,071 per week.

What is the age profile of Black River? +

The median age in Black River is 41. The largest age group is 55–64 (221 residents, around 15%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 16% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Black River a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Black 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.

What is the population of Black River? +

Black River had a population of 1,493 at the 2021 Census, up 1.2% from 1,476 in 2016.

How much is rent in Black River? +

In Black River, the median weekly rent is $320, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,625 (2021 Census).