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McDesme

QLD 4807 • Queensland

254
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
25.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalQuietAffordable
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About McDesme

McDesme is a small rural locality in the Burdekin Shire in North Queensland, situated in the agricultural hinterland to the south-west of Ayr, the Burdekin Shire's administrative centre. Covering approximately 25.9 square kilometres, the locality is characterised by the flat, well-irrigated farming land typical of the Burdekin region, which is one of Queensland's most productive agricultural areas. With a 2021 Census population of 254 residents, McDesme is a quiet farming community with a median household income of around $45,760.

The Burdekin region is renowned for its sugar cane industry, and the landscape around McDesme reflects this agricultural heritage with cane fields and rural properties dominating the scenery. Residents rely on Ayr for schools, shopping, medical services, and community facilities. Townsville, about 85 kilometres to the north, provides access to a full range of city services. The locality suits those who appreciate a quiet rural lifestyle embedded in Queensland's productive tropical agricultural belt.

McDesme falls under postcode 4807 and is governed by the Burdekin Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Burdekin electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4807
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Burdekin
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Burdekin
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.91°, 147.13°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
25.88 km²
Population Density
10 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4807

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4807, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$45,760
Median 2023–24
$56,502
▲ 23.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$72,872

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4807; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Ayr approx. 25-30 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
85 km
By Train
No direct passenger train service
By Car (Peak)
1 hr - 1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55 min - 1 hr 10 min

🛣️ Access via Bruce Highway; Ayr is the closest service centre, approx. 25 km away; car essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; no walkable services or shops within the locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
254
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
540.5 / 100k
2yr Down 48.6% 10yr Down 13.3%
Motor vehicle theft
270.3 / 100k
2yr Down 22.0% 10yr Up 46.3%
Non-FV assault
1,161.5 / 100k
2yr Down 15.9% 10yr Up 145.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
172.5 / 100k
2yr Down 47.6% 10yr Down 62.2%
View all offence categories for Burdekin →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is McDesme known for? +

McDesme is a quiet rural locality in the Burdekin Shire, situated in the heart of one of Queensland's most productive agricultural regions. The area is characterised by the sugar cane farming that defines the Burdekin district.

How far is McDesme from Townsville? +

McDesme is approximately 85 kilometres south of Townsville CBD, a drive of around 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes via the Bruce Highway.

Does McDesme have public transport? +

McDesme has no regular public transport. There is no passenger rail service and limited bus connections. Residents need a private vehicle for all daily travel, with Ayr the nearest service centre at approximately 25 kilometres.

What is the population of McDesme? +

According to the 2021 Census, McDesme has a population of 254 residents, making it a small rural locality within the Burdekin Shire of North Queensland.

Is McDesme a good place to live? +

McDesme suits those who value a quiet, affordable rural lifestyle in a productive agricultural setting. It is well-positioned for people who work in or around the Burdekin's farming industry and are comfortable with car-dependent rural living near Ayr.

What is the postcode for McDesme? +

The postcode for McDesme, QLD is 4807, shared with Ayr and other localities in the Burdekin Shire.

Is McDesme a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. McDesme is part of the Burdekin 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.