🔍

North Ward

QLD 4810 • Rest of QLD

5,073
Population (2021)
$78,000
Median Household Income
2.48 km²
Area
$285/wk
Median Rent
CoastalHistoricFamily-FriendlyBeachsideInner-City

About North Ward

North Ward is a coastal inner-city suburb of Townsville in North Queensland, located just 1.6 kilometres northwest of the Townsville CBD. With a population of 5,073 (2021 Census), it is one of Townsville's oldest suburbs, dating back to the 1870s, and covers an area of 2.9 square kilometres. The suburb is bounded by the Coral Sea to the north and east, Belgian Gardens to the west, and Townsville City to the south. North Ward has a diverse population including young professionals, Defence Force personnel, and long-term residents attracted by its beachside location.

North Ward is home to The Strand, one of Townsville's most iconic waterfront promenades, featuring a rockpool, waterpark, playgrounds, and barbecue areas with views across to Magnetic Island. The suburb hosts prestigious schools including Townsville Grammar School and St Patrick's College, making it popular with families. Kissing Point at the northern tip offers panoramic ocean views, while Castle Hill rises on the southern boundary. Cafés, restaurants, and the historic Seaview Hotel along The Strand create a vibrant yet relaxed coastal atmosphere.

North Ward falls under postcode 4810 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Townsville electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4810
Urban Area
Townsville
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Townsville
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.25°, 146.81°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
2.48 km²
Elevation
13m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$285
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,744
Avg Household Size
1.8 people
Median Age
40 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.2%

63 state housing + 12 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 204/205 — North Ward to Townsville CBD via The Strand 10-15 min
  • 215 — North Ward to Stockland Townsville via CBD 25 min
  • T (Townsville Loop) — City centre circular 5-10 min

Commute to Townsville

Distance
1.6 km
By Train
No train service in Townsville (long-distance rail only)
By Bus
10-15 min via route 204/205
By Car (Peak)
5 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 min

🛣️ Townsville has no suburban rail network. Buses operated by Kinetic Townsville. SeaLink ferry to Magnetic Island departs from nearby Breakwater Terminal. Very close to CBD, easily cyclable.

Walkability Very Walkable

Flat terrain with excellent footpaths along The Strand foreshore. Townsville CBD, restaurants, and shops are within easy walking or cycling distance. Good bike infrastructure.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    26-28 Mitchell Street North Ward 4810 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Townsville Local Government Area, which contains North Ward. 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

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,065
Census 2021
5,073
▲ 0.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,940
Personal Income 2021
$51,844
▲ 18.0% 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
$51,844 / yr
$997/wk
Household
$78,000 / yr
$1500/wk
Family
$123,604 / yr
$2377/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,505
Born Overseas 1,174

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 203
  • 2. New Zealand 140
  • 3. Philippines 64
  • 4. United States 58
  • 5. India 57
  • 6. South Africa 48
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 38
  • 8. Scotland 37
  • 9. Germany 33
  • 10. Nepal 27

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,868
Australian 1,427
Irish 685
Scottish 580
Italian 284
German 276
Australian Aboriginal 210
Chinese 92
Dutch 80
Filipino 79

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,668
Both parents born in Australia
1,367
Both parents born overseas
615
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
45.1%
No Religion
40.9%
Hinduism
1.5%
Buddhism
1.1%
Islam
0.4%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
164 (3.2%)
5-14 years
433 (8.5%)
15-19 years
334 (6.6%)
20-24 years
373 (7.4%)
25-34 years
853 (16.8%)
35-44 years
663 (13.1%)
45-54 years
716 (14.1%)
55-64 years
747 (14.7%)
65-74 years
495 (9.8%)
75-84 years
238 (4.7%)
85+ years
55 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is North Ward known for? +

North Ward is known for the iconic Strand Beach foreshore with its famous waterpark, restaurants, and Palm-tree lined esplanade. The suburb features beautiful heritage Queenslander homes on the foothills of Castle Hill and is one of Townsville's most prestigious addresses.

How far is North Ward from Townsville CBD? +

North Ward is approximately 2-4 kilometres north of Townsville CBD, with a short drive or walk along The Strand foreshore.

Does North Ward have public transport? +

North Ward is served by Townsville's local bus network with routes along The Strand and connecting to the CBD. A car is recommended for broader everyday use.

What is the population of North Ward? +

According to the 2021 Census, North Ward has a population of approximately 5,073 residents within the Townsville City Council local government area.

Is North Ward a good place to live? +

North Ward is one of Townsville's most prestigious suburbs, offering The Strand beachfront lifestyle, heritage homes, and a vibrant community. It suits affluent families and professionals who value the best of Townsville's coastal lifestyle.

What is the postcode for North Ward? +

The postcode for North Ward is 4810.

What is the average income in North Ward? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in North Ward is about $997 per week (around $51,800 per year). The median household income is $1,500 per week and the median family income is $2,377 per week.

What is the age profile of North Ward? +

The median age in North Ward is 40. The largest age group is 25–34 (853 residents, around 17%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 16% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is North Ward a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. North Ward 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.

How much is rent in North Ward? +

In North Ward, the median weekly rent is $285, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,744 (2021 Census).