🔍

Calen

QLD 4798 • Queensland

427
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
71.92 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHinterlandQuietAgriculturalAffordable
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About Calen

Calen is a small rural town and locality in the Mackay Region of Queensland, situated approximately 56 kilometres north-west of Mackay and around 1,000 kilometres north-north-west of Brisbane. With a population of 427 spread across a 72-square-kilometre area, Calen sits in the hinterland between the coastal ranges and the Coral Sea, functioning as a quiet agricultural and pastoral community. The locality falls within the Mackay Region local government area, in the shadow of the stunning Whitsunday hinterland landscape.

The local general store is a focal point of community life, and Calen's position between Mackay and the Whitsundays makes it a practical base for those working in agriculture or the broader region. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views of the ranges, and the wider region's proximity to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef keeps coastal Queensland's iconic lifestyle within reach. Calen suits those who value affordable rural acreage and a slower pace while remaining within an hour's drive of Mackay's full range of services.

Calen falls under postcode 4798 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
4798
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-20.89°, 148.74°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
71.92 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4798

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4798 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$59,069
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$71,915

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4798; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Mackay Approx. 60 min

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
56 km
By Train
No direct train service; Mackay station is approx. 56 km away
By Car (Peak)
50-65 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-55 min

🛣️ Access via Mackay-Eungella Road; a car is essential for all daily travel

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Only a general store in the township; a car is required for all major errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
427
▲ 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 Calen. 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 Calen known for? +

Calen is known as a quiet rural service town in Queensland's Mackay Region hinterland, serving the surrounding agricultural and pastoral community. It is a gateway to the scenic Whitsunday ranges and within an hour's drive of both Mackay and the Whitsunday coast.

How far is Calen from Mackay? +

Calen is approximately 56 kilometres north-west of Mackay CBD, a drive of around 50–65 minutes via the Mackay-Eungella Road.

Does Calen have public transport? +

Public transport options in Calen are very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to Mackay are infrequent. Residents rely primarily on private vehicles for commuting and daily errands.

What is the population of Calen? +

According to the 2021 Census, Calen has a population of 427 residents across its 72 square kilometre locality, reflecting its low-density rural character.

Is Calen a good place to live? +

Calen is a good fit for those seeking affordable rural living with space and quiet, and for those working in agriculture or the Mackay region. It is less suited to those requiring easy access to urban services, though Mackay is within an hour's drive.

What is the postcode for Calen? +

The postcode for Calen is 4798.

Is Calen a safe area? +

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