🔍

Blackwater

QLD 4717 • Rest of QLD

4,702
Population (2021)
$122,616
Median Household Income
657.32 km²
Area
$220/wk
Median Rent
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
Queensland
Postcode
4717
Urban Area
Blackwater
LGA / Council
Central Highlands
Federal Electorate
Flynn
State Electorate
Gregory
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.47°, 148.78°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
657.32 km²
Elevation
151m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$220
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
31 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.3%

75 state housing + 4 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 1848-2464 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
616 km
By Train
Approximately 1540 min to Brisbane CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 616 km north-west of Brisbane CBD

Walkability Car-Dependent

Local amenities are limited; most errands require a car or public transport

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Town Centre, 8 Blain Street Blackwater 4717 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
841.5 / 100k
2yr Up 79.3% 10yr Up 85.7%
Motor vehicle theft
309.7 / 100k
2yr Up 12.1% 10yr Up 169.2%
Non-FV assault
1,373.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 210.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.7 / 100k
2yr Down 51.2% 10yr Up 93.1%
Steal from vehicle
356.8 / 100k
2yr Up 43.6% 10yr Down 39.1%
View all offence categories for Central Highlands →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

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

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$57,408
Personal Income 2021
$65,936
▲ 14.9% 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
$65,936 / yr
$1268/wk
Household
$122,616 / yr
$2358/wk
Family
$145,184 / yr
$2792/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 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

🧬 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blackwater known for? +

Blackwater is a small urban locality in QLD, situated within the Central Highlands (Regional Council) area. It is home to a close-knit community of approximately 4702 residents and is valued for its quiet residential character.

How far is Blackwater from Brisbane CBD? +

Blackwater is approximately 616 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is a significant distance from the city and is oriented towards its local regional centre rather than the capital CBD.

Does Blackwater have public transport? +

Blackwater is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Brisbane CBD.

What is the population of Blackwater? +

According to the 2021 Census, Blackwater has a population of approximately 4,702 residents. The suburb has seen steady residential development and offers a range of local services.

Is Blackwater a good place to live? +

Blackwater suits those who prefer a modest, community-oriented neighbourhood with reasonable access to local services. Its small population means a peaceful setting, though residents typically need to travel to larger towns for comprehensive shopping, medical, and education services.

What is the postcode for Blackwater? +

The postcode for Blackwater, QLD is 4717.

What is the average income in Blackwater? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Blackwater is about $1,268 per week (around $65,900 per year). The median household income is $2,358 per week and the median family income is $2,792 per week.

What is the age profile of Blackwater? +

The median age in Blackwater is 31. The largest age group is 25–34 (843 residents, around 18%). Around 30% of residents are under 20 and about 5% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Blackwater a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Blackwater is part of the Central Highlands 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 Blackwater? +

In Blackwater, the median weekly rent is $220, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,083 (2021 Census).