🔍

Karalee

QLD 4306 • Greater Brisbane

5,521
Population (2021)
$133,068
Median Household Income
15.55 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyRural-ResidentialRiversideAcreage

About Karalee

Karalee is a leafy rural-residential suburb of Ipswich, located 38 kilometres southwest of Brisbane CBD and 9 kilometres northeast of Ipswich city centre. With a population of around 5,500, it sits between the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers, offering a peaceful semi-rural lifestyle within commuting distance of both cities. The name derives from the Ugarapul word meaning 'pretty hill beside the water', reflecting its scenic riverside setting.

Life in Karalee centres around families seeking space and tranquility while maintaining urban convenience. The suburb features a well-stocked shopping village with Coles, Woolworths and local stores, plus sporting clubs for tennis, rugby league and swimming. With 89% owner-occupancy and generous block sizes, it attracts established families and those seeking a quieter alternative to Brisbane's western growth corridors.

Karalee falls under postcode 4306 and is governed by Ipswich Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ipswich West electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4306
Urban Area
Ipswich
LGA / Council
Ipswich
Federal Electorate
Blair
State Electorate
Ipswich West
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.56°, 152.82°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
15.55 km²
Elevation
35m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,133
Avg Household Size
3.1 people
Median Age
37 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

9 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ipswich
9.5 km
Rosewood/Ipswich Line to Brisbane Central
Karana Downs
5 km
No station - drive required to Ipswich

Bus Services

  • 540, 541 — Ipswich CBD via Chuwar 15-20 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
38 km
By Train
50-60 min (drive to Ipswich + train)
By Car (Peak)
45-55 min via Centenary Motorway
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-40 min

🛣️ No direct train access - car required to reach Ipswich station

Walkability Car-Dependent

Large lots and rural setting require car for most trips; local shops accessible to some residents

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Karalee Shopping Centre 29-37 Junction Road Chuwar 4306 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
551 / 100k
2yr Down 24.0% 10yr Down 29.4%
Motor vehicle theft
319 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 37.0%
Non-FV assault
1,352.2 / 100k
2yr Down 11.5% 10yr Up 194.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
23.1 / 100k
2yr Down 13.6% 10yr Up 12.5%
Steal from vehicle
632 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Ipswich →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,352
Census 2021
5,521
▲ 26.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,368
Personal Income 2021
$54,184
▲ 24.9% 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
$54,184 / yr
$1042/wk
Household
$133,068 / yr
$2559/wk
Family
$138,424 / yr
$2662/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,474
Born Overseas 899

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 268
  • 2. New Zealand 167
  • 3. South Africa 89
  • 4. Scotland 33
  • 5. India 32
  • 6. Zimbabwe 27
  • 7. Philippines 26
  • 8. Netherlands 21
  • 9. Germany 18
  • 10. Malaysia 14

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,458
Australian 2,224
Irish 659
Scottish 654
German 518
Australian Aboriginal 162
Dutch 138
Italian 114
New Zealander 68
South African 64

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,475
Both parents born in Australia
1,124
Both parents born overseas
749
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.4%
No Religion
43.1%
Hinduism
0.7%
Buddhism
0.4%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
384 (7.0%)
5-14 years
937 (17.0%)
15-19 years
392 (7.1%)
20-24 years
292 (5.3%)
25-34 years
599 (10.8%)
35-44 years
846 (15.3%)
45-54 years
821 (14.9%)
55-64 years
664 (12.0%)
65-74 years
409 (7.4%)
75-84 years
156 (2.8%)
85+ years
31 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Karalee known for? +

Karalee is known for its leafy, semi-rural character with large residential blocks and river frontage properties along the northern bank of the Brisbane River. It is part of the Ipswich City Council area and offers a spacious alternative to inner suburban living.

How far is Karalee from Brisbane? +

Karalee is approximately 38 kilometres south-west of Brisbane CBD, about a 45–55 minute drive via the Centenary Motorway. Ipswich city centre (approximately 9 km east) is the main hub for shopping and services.

Does Karalee have public transport? +

Karalee does not have direct train access; residents typically drive to Ipswich railway station to connect to Brisbane (approximately 50–60 minutes by train). Limited bus services connect to Ipswich.

What is the population of Karalee? +

According to the 2021 Census, Karalee has a population of approximately 5,521 residents, one of the larger rural-residential suburbs in the Ipswich City Council area.

Is Karalee a good place to live? +

Karalee is well-suited to families seeking spacious blocks and a semi-rural lifestyle within commuting distance of both Ipswich and Brisbane. Its riverside setting, established trees, and quiet streets make it one of the more desirable outer suburban options in the Ipswich area.

What is the postcode for Karalee? +

The postcode for Karalee, QLD is 4306.

What is the average income in Karalee? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Karalee is about $1,042 per week (around $54,200 per year). The median household income is $2,559 per week and the median family income is $2,662 per week.

What is the age profile of Karalee? +

The median age in Karalee is 37. The largest age group is 5–14 (937 residents, around 17%). Around 31% of residents are under 20 and about 11% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Karalee a safe area? +

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

In Karalee, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,133 (2021 Census).