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Cunnamulla

QLD 4490 • Rest of QLD

1,233
Population (2021)
$51,688
Median Household Income
4591.13 km²
Area
$125/wk
Median Rent
OutbackRuralRemoteAffordableAgricultural
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About Cunnamulla

Cunnamulla is the principal town and administrative centre of Paroo Shire in far south-western Queensland, situated on the banks of the Warrego River approximately 770 kilometres south-west of Brisbane at an elevation of 194 metres above sea level. With a population of 1,233 and a median age of 40, Cunnamulla is the commercial and service hub for a vast surrounding outback pastoral region covering over 4,500 square kilometres. The local economy is centred on the wool, sheep, and cattle industries, with a median household income of around $994 per week and a notably high proportion of social housing reflecting the economic challenges common to remote outback communities.

Cunnamulla provides the essential services of a remote outback town, including a multi-purpose health service, primary and secondary schools, supermarkets, and the iconic Cunnamulla Fella sculpture — a tribute to the stockmen and shearers who shaped the region's pastoral heritage. The Warrego River offers excellent fishing and bush camping, while the vast surrounding mulga landscape attracts grey nomads and outback travellers driving the Warrego Highway between Brisbane and Bourke. The town has a distinctive outback character and a strong community spirit, with very affordable housing and one of the lowest costs of living in Queensland.

Cunnamulla falls under postcode 4490 and is governed by the Paroo Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Maranoa, while state elections fall under the Warrego electorate.

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📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4490
Urban Area
Paroo
LGA / Council
Paroo
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Warrego
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.01°, 145.79°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
4591.13 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
194m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4490

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4490, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$40,843
Median 2023–24
$45,612
▲ 11.7% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$50,079

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4490; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$29,900
Personal Income 2021
$30,732
▲ 2.8% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$30,732 / yr
$591/wk
Household
$51,688 / yr
$994/wk
Family
$68,744 / yr
$1322/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$125
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$729
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
40 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
16.8%

68 state housing + 17 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound / regional coach services — Brisbane / Charleville 8-9 hours to Brisbane

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
770 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Charleville then Queensland Rail Spirit of the Outback (approx 12+ hours total)
By Car (Peak)
8-9 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 hours

🛣️ Remote outback location on the Warrego Highway; a car is absolutely essential; no commercial air service to Cunnamulla

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town centre is walkable for local errands, but a car is essential for the region and for any travel beyond Cunnamulla itself

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,140
Census 2021
1,233
▲ 8.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,769.7 / 100k
2yr Down 17.6% 10yr Up 131.0%
Motor vehicle theft
519.3 / 100k
2yr Down 25.3% 10yr Up 333.1%
Non-FV assault
3,577.6 / 100k
2yr Up 37.1% 10yr Up 42.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
981 / 100k
2yr Down 32.3% 10yr Up 63.6%
View all offence categories for Paroo →

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,093
Born Overseas 55

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 17
  • 2. England 8
  • 3. India 5
  • 4. Indonesia 4
  • 5. Philippines 3
  • 6. South Africa 3
  • 7. United States 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 488
Australian 479
English 381
Irish 89
Scottish 81
German 49
New Zealander 18
Samoan 10
Polish 8
Indian 7

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

1,038
Both parents born in Australia
60
Both parents born overseas
71
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
58.9%
No Religion
33.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.4%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
105 (8.5%)
5-14 years
188 (15.2%)
15-19 years
54 (4.4%)
20-24 years
59 (4.8%)
25-34 years
140 (11.4%)
35-44 years
121 (9.8%)
45-54 years
156 (12.7%)
55-64 years
171 (13.9%)
65-74 years
128 (10.4%)
75-84 years
72 (5.8%)
85+ years
34 (2.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cunnamulla known for? +

Cunnamulla is best known as the iconic outback town immortalised in the documentary of the same name, famous for its pastoral heritage, the Cunnamulla Fella sculpture honouring the region's drovers and shearers, and its position on the Warrego River. It's the administrative centre of Paroo Shire and a classic example of outback Queensland's remote communities.

How far is Cunnamulla from Brisbane? +

Cunnamulla is approximately 770 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, typically an 8–9 hour drive via the Warrego Highway through Toowoomba and Charleville. There is no direct commercial flight service to Cunnamulla.

Does Cunnamulla have public transport? +

Cunnamulla has very limited public transport. Greyhound and regional coach services operate along the Warrego Highway connecting to Charleville and Brisbane. There is no passenger rail service; the nearest station is Charleville, approximately 200 kilometres north-east. A car is essential for all daily life.

What is the population of Cunnamulla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cunnamulla has a population of 1,233 residents, a modest increase from 1,140 in 2016. The town has a significant Indigenous population, and around 16.8% of dwellings are social housing, reflecting the socio-economic profile of many remote outback communities.

Is Cunnamulla a good place to live? +

Cunnamulla suits those drawn to genuine outback life — wide open spaces, a strong community spirit, very affordable housing, and proximity to the Warrego River for fishing and camping. It's a challenging lifestyle for those accustomed to city amenities, but deeply rewarding for people who value the vastness and character of remote Queensland.

What is the postcode for Cunnamulla? +

The postcode for Cunnamulla, QLD is 4490.

What is the average income in Cunnamulla? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Cunnamulla is about $591 per week (around $30,700 per year). The median household income is $994 per week and the median family income is $1,322 per week.

What is the age profile of Cunnamulla? +

The median age in Cunnamulla is 40. The largest age group is 5–14 (188 residents, around 15%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Cunnamulla a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cunnamulla is part of the Paroo 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 Cunnamulla? +

In Cunnamulla, the median weekly rent is $125, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $729 (2021 Census).