🔍

Murray

QLD 4814 • Rest of QLD

1,739
Population (2021)
$68,900
Median Household Income
12.07 km²
Area
$107/wk
Median Rent
Young FamiliesAffordable

About Murray

Murray is a unique suburb of Townsville in North Queensland, located within the City of Townsville LGA and sharing postcode 4814 with surrounding suburbs. Unlike a conventional residential suburb, the developed land in Murray is largely contained within Lavarack Barracks, Australia's largest army base, which dominates its character. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,739 people, the majority of whom are Australian Army personnel and their families stationed at the base.

Life in Murray is shaped by the rhythms of the Australian Army. The suburb offers a strong sense of community built around military service, with on-base facilities including housing, recreation areas, and support services for defence families. Townsville's CBD and amenities — including schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and beaches — are within easy reach, making Murray a practical base for service members and their families who need access to the region's infrastructure.

Murray falls under postcode 4814 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mundingburra electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4814
Urban Area
Townsville
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Mundingburra
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.34°, 146.79°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
12.07 km²
Elevation
94m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$107
Avg Household Size
1 people
Median Age
22 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Townsville City Bus Network — Townsville CBD 25-35 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
10 km
By Train
No train service; nearest rail at Townsville Station
By Car (Peak)
15-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Access to the barracks is restricted; civilian access via gatehouse only

Walkability Car-Dependent

On-base facilities reduce some car dependence, but off-base services require a vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
2yr Down 40.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.0% 10yr Up 17.0%
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 250.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
2yr Down 35.4% 10yr Up 52.8%
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Townsville →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,491
Census 2021
1,739
▲ 16.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$56,212
Personal Income 2021
$67,704
▲ 20.4% 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
$67,704 / yr
$1302/wk
Household
$68,900 / yr
$1325/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 644
Born Overseas 78

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 19
  • 2. South Africa 11
  • 3. Papua New Guinea 4
  • 4. China 3
  • 5. New Zealand 3
  • 6. Philippines 3
  • 7. Thailand 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 314
English 310
Irish 97
Scottish 89
German 48
Australian Aboriginal 44
Italian 36
Chinese 15
Dutch 12
Filipino 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

479
Both parents born in Australia
111
Both parents born overseas
131
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
25.4%
Christianity
14.1%
Islam
0.4%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
0 (0.0%)
5-14 years
0 (0.0%)
15-19 years
250 (14.4%)
20-24 years
998 (57.4%)
25-34 years
404 (23.2%)
35-44 years
49 (2.8%)
45-54 years
28 (1.6%)
55-64 years
0 (0.0%)
65-74 years
0 (0.0%)
75-84 years
0 (0.0%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murray QLD known for? +

Murray is primarily known as the location of Lavarack Barracks, Australia's largest army base, which occupies most of the suburb's developed land.

Who lives in Murray QLD? +

The majority of Murray's residents are Australian Army personnel and their families stationed at Lavarack Barracks. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,739.

Is Murray QLD open to the public? +

Access to the developed areas of Murray is largely restricted to authorised personnel and visitors to Lavarack Barracks. Surrounding areas are general public access.

How far is Murray QLD from Townsville CBD? +

Murray is approximately 10 km from Townsville CBD, roughly a 15–20 minute drive in peak traffic.

What is the average income in Murray? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Murray is about $1,302 per week (around $67,700 per year). The median household income is $1,325 per week.

What is the age profile of Murray? +

The median age in Murray is 22. The largest age group is 20–24 (998 residents, around 57%). Around 14% of residents are under 20 and about 0% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Murray a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Murray is part of the Townsville 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.

What is the population of Murray? +

Murray had a population of 1,739 at the 2021 Census, up 16.6% from 1,491 in 2016.

How much is rent in Murray? +

In Murray, the median weekly rent is $107 (2021 Census).