🔍

Blacks Beach

QLD 4740 • Rest of QLD

4,153
Population (2021)
$104,676
Median Household Income
6.16 km²
Area
$390/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideFamily-FriendlyAffordableSuburban

About Blacks Beach

Blacks Beach is a coastal residential suburb situated approximately 10 kilometres north of Mackay's city centre, within the Mackay Regional Council area on Queensland's Central Coast. At just 8 metres above sea level and fronting the Coral Sea, it occupies a beachside position covering around 6 square kilometres of low-density residential land. With a population of 4,153 and a young median age of 31, the suburb attracts young families and working-age residents connected to Mackay's economy — driven by coal mining, sugar cane farming, and the Port of Mackay.

Blacks Beach offers direct beach access, with the suburb's namesake beach popular for swimming, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The Northern Beaches corridor provides everyday shopping and services, while Mackay city centre is a short drive south for schools, hospitals, and major retail. The suburb has a notable Indigenous community and a multicultural population, with South African and New Zealand migrants well represented. Predominantly low-density housing, a relaxed coastal atmosphere, and affordable entry prices make Blacks Beach an attractive option for families and those working in the broader Mackay region.

Blacks Beach falls under postcode 4740 and is governed by Mackay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Whitsunday electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4740
Urban Area
Mackay
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.06°, 149.19°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
6.16 km²
Elevation
8m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$390
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
31 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.5%

13 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Mackay Transit Coaches Route 6/7 — Mackay City Centre 20-30 min

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
10 km
By Train
No rail service
By Car (Peak)
15–20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
12–15 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport; Mackay Airport is approximately 12 km south

Walkability Car-Dependent

A spread-out coastal suburb with limited retail — car required for most daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Mackay Local Government Area, which contains Blacks Beach. 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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,861
Census 2021
4,153
▲ 7.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$38,220
Personal Income 2021
$49,348
▲ 29.1% 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
$49,348 / yr
$949/wk
Household
$104,676 / yr
$2013/wk
Family
$112,892 / yr
$2171/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,110
Born Overseas 623

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. South Africa 145
  • 2. New Zealand 131
  • 3. England 111
  • 4. Zimbabwe 32
  • 5. Philippines 30
  • 6. Germany 11
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 10
  • 8. Scotland 10
  • 9. China 9
  • 10. India 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,600
Australian 1,537
Irish 395
Scottish 389
Australian Aboriginal 284
German 229
Italian 122
South African 90
Dutch 61
Maori 61

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,589
Both parents born in Australia
725
Both parents born overseas
403
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.4%
Christianity
42.9%
Hinduism
0.5%
Buddhism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
349 (8.4%)
5-14 years
711 (17.1%)
15-19 years
270 (6.5%)
20-24 years
296 (7.1%)
25-34 years
720 (17.3%)
35-44 years
595 (14.3%)
45-54 years
476 (11.5%)
55-64 years
425 (10.2%)
65-74 years
229 (5.5%)
75-84 years
70 (1.7%)
85+ years
11 (0.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blacks Beach known for? +

Blacks Beach is known for its patrolled beach, surf lifesaving club, caravan park, and relaxed coastal lifestyle north of Mackay. The beach is popular with families and visitors seeking a seaside escape in North Queensland.

How far is Blacks Beach from Mackay CBD? +

Blacks Beach is approximately 10-12 kilometres north of Mackay CBD, with a drive time of around 15-20 minutes.

Does Blacks Beach have public transport? +

Blacks Beach has limited local bus services. A car is recommended for everyday use. Mackay Airport is nearby for regional and interstate connections.

What is the population of Blacks Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Blacks Beach has a population of approximately 4,153 residents within the Mackay Regional Council local government area.

Is Blacks Beach a good place to live? +

Blacks Beach offers a relaxed beachside lifestyle north of Mackay with a patrolled beach and surf club. It is popular with families and retirees who want coastal living in North Queensland at affordable prices.

What is the postcode for Blacks Beach? +

The postcode for Blacks Beach is 4740.

What is the average income in Blacks Beach? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Blacks Beach is about $949 per week (around $49,300 per year). The median household income is $2,013 per week and the median family income is $2,171 per week.

What is the age profile of Blacks Beach? +

The median age in Blacks Beach is 31. The largest age group is 25–34 (720 residents, around 17%). Around 32% of residents are under 20 and about 7% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Blacks Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Blacks Beach 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.

How much is rent in Blacks Beach? +

In Blacks Beach, the median weekly rent is $390, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).