🔍

Chinchilla

QLD 4413 • Rest of QLD

7,068
Population (2021)
$80,548
Median Household Income
72.07 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalCommuter BeltMid-Range

About Chinchilla

Chinchilla is a regional town in Queensland's Western Downs, situated approximately 300 kilometres west of Brisbane at an elevation of 311 metres on the Darling Downs. Within the Western Downs Regional Council area, it serves as a service hub for the surrounding agricultural and resource-sector communities, with a population of 7,068. The median household income of around ,549 per week reflects the mix of farming families and workers tied to the nearby gas and energy industries, with a median age of 33 suggesting a relatively young working population.

Chinchilla is widely known as the Watermelon Capital of Australia, producing a significant share of the nation's watermelon crop and celebrating this heritage with the biennial Chinchilla Melon Festival. The town offers essential retail, schools, health services, and community facilities expected of a regional centre its size. The surrounding area has also seen growth tied to the Surat Basin coal seam gas industry, bringing infrastructure investment and an expanded workforce. Its open landscapes, agricultural roots, and community spirit give Chinchilla a distinct rural Queensland character.

Chinchilla falls under postcode 4413 and is governed by Western Downs Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Callide electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4413
Urban Area
Chinchilla
LGA / Council
Western Downs
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Callide
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.75°, 150.63°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
72.07 km²
Elevation
311m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
33 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.7%

29 state housing + 11 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Chinchilla
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Coach — Brisbane / Toowoomba 4-5 hr to Brisbane

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
310 km
By Train
Westlander from Chinchilla to Brisbane approx 5-6 hours; very limited weekly departures
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 hr

🛣️ Western Downs regional town; Warrego Highway provides road access; service centre for coal seam gas industry and agricultural region

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre walkable for basic daily needs but a car is essential for most activities and all regional travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    16-20 Bell Street Chinchilla 4413 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
657.5 / 100k
2yr Down 30.7% 10yr Up 20.4%
Motor vehicle theft
401.8 / 100k
2yr Down 33.7% 10yr Up 135.9%
Non-FV assault
1,093.1 / 100k
2yr Down 23.7% 10yr Up 96.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.4 / 100k
2yr Down 41.0% 10yr Down 42.6%
Steal from vehicle
663.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 35.2%
View all offence categories for Western Downs →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,612
Census 2021
7,068
▲ 6.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,060
Personal Income 2021
$42,120
▲ 23.7% 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
$42,120 / yr
$810/wk
Household
$80,548 / yr
$1549/wk
Family
$99,736 / yr
$1918/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,527
Born Overseas 694

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 105
  • 2. England 92
  • 3. Philippines 75
  • 4. South Africa 36
  • 5. India 35
  • 6. France 21
  • 7. Chile 16
  • 8. Ireland 16
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 14
  • 10. Scotland 13

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 2,943
English 2,574
Irish 684
Scottish 627
German 549
Australian Aboriginal 505
Italian 118
Dutch 92
Filipino 90
New Zealander 51

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,886
Both parents born in Australia
811
Both parents born overseas
509
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.2%
No Religion
34.5%
Hinduism
0.5%
Buddhism
0.4%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
508 (7.2%)
5-14 years
1,098 (15.5%)
15-19 years
401 (5.7%)
20-24 years
438 (6.2%)
25-34 years
1,191 (16.9%)
35-44 years
871 (12.3%)
45-54 years
747 (10.6%)
55-64 years
765 (10.8%)
65-74 years
576 (8.1%)
75-84 years
343 (4.9%)
85+ years
130 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinchilla known for? +

Chinchilla is a regional town in Queensland's Western Downs, situated approximately 300 kilometres west of Brisbane at an elevation of 311 metres on the Darling Downs. Within the Western Downs Regional Council area, it serves as a service hub for the surrounding agricultural and resource-sector communities, with a population of 7,068.

How far is Chinchilla from Brisbane CBD? +

Chinchilla is approximately 300 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Drive times vary depending on traffic conditions.

Does Chinchilla have public transport? +

Chinchilla is a rural locality with no regular public transport services. A private vehicle is essential for accessing towns and services.

What is the population of Chinchilla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Chinchilla has a population of approximately 7,068 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Western Downs (Regional Council).

Is Chinchilla a good place to live? +

Chinchilla suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Chinchilla? +

The postcode for Chinchilla, QLD is 4413.

What is the average income in Chinchilla? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Chinchilla is about $810 per week (around $42,100 per year). The median household income is $1,549 per week and the median family income is $1,918 per week.

What is the age profile of Chinchilla? +

The median age in Chinchilla is 33. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,191 residents, around 17%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Chinchilla a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Chinchilla is part of the Western Downs 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 Chinchilla? +

In Chinchilla, the median weekly rent is $250, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).