Blackwater

QLD 4717 • Rest of QLD

4,702
Population (2021)
$65,936
Median Income
657.32 km²
Area
151m
Elevation
Mining TownHigh IncomeRemoteOutback QueenslandResources

About Blackwater

Blackwater is a coal mining town in Queensland's Central Highlands, located 200 kilometres west of Rockhampton. With a population of around 4,700 and the highest median income in this batch at $81,000, the town's economy is almost entirely driven by the surrounding coal mines including those operated by BHP. The substantial income reflects the high wages commanded by mining workers in this remote location.

Life in Blackwater revolves around the mining roster, with many residents working fly-in-fly-out or drive-in-drive-out arrangements. The town offers essential services including a Woolworths, schools, a hospital, and sporting facilities. The International Coal Centre showcases the region's mining heritage. Despite its remote location, Blackwater maintains a strong community spirit with regular events and activities. It suits those willing to trade urban convenience for excellent mining wages and a close-knit outback community.

Blackwater falls under postcode 4717 and is governed by Central Highlands Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gregory electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4717
Urban Area
Blackwater
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.47°, 148.78°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
657.32 km²
Elevation
151m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Town Centre, 8 Blain Street Blackwater 4717 QLD

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$220
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
31 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,749
Census 2021
4,702
1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$57,408
Income 2021
$65,936
14.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,448
Born Overseas 470

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 187
  • 2. Philippines 69
  • 3. England 38
  • 4. Thailand 26
  • 5. Papua New Guinea 21
  • 6. India 16
  • 7. South Africa 14
  • 8. Ireland 10
  • 9. Indonesia 9
  • 10. Taiwan 9
  • 11. Scotland 7
  • 12. Canada 6
  • 13. China 5
  • 14. Nepal 5
  • 15. United States 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,871
English 1,506
Irish 410
Australian Aboriginal 405
Scottish 371
German 226
Maori 128
Filipino 76
Italian 69
Chinese 37

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,971
Both parents born in Australia
585
Both parents born overseas
365
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
42.4%
Christianity
38.7%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
364 (7.7%)
5-14 years
733 (15.6%)
15-19 years
319 (6.8%)
20-24 years
341 (7.3%)
25-34 years
843 (17.9%)
35-44 years
811 (17.2%)
45-54 years
636 (13.5%)
55-64 years
424 (9.0%)
65-74 years
159 (3.4%)
75-84 years
52 (1.1%)
85+ years
7 (0.1%)

Nearby Suburbs