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Rita Island

QLD 4807 • Queensland

172
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
83.16 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralCoastalAgriculturalQuiet
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About Rita Island

Rita Island is a rural and coastal locality in the Shire of Burdekin, Queensland, located approximately 13.9 kilometres south-east of Ayr and 102 kilometres south-east of Townsville. The locality covers 86.3 square kilometres and had a population of 172 at the 2021 Census, giving it a very low population density typical of Queensland's coastal agricultural areas. It sits adjacent to the northern anabranch of the Burdekin River and the Coral Sea, in a landscape dominated by sugar cane farming and coastal wetlands.

The locality is connected to the mainland via the Anabranch Bridge across the Burdekin River's northern channel, a notable piece of local infrastructure. Rita Island's character is shaped by its agricultural heritage, with sugar cane cultivation being the dominant land use across the flat, fertile plains. Residents depend on nearby Ayr for shopping, schools, and services, and a car is essential for all daily needs. The area offers a peaceful rural coastal lifestyle with the broader Burdekin delta landscape providing scenic and natural appeal.

Rita Island 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
-19.63°, 147.54°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
83.16 km²
Population Density
2 /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

  • No regular service — No scheduled bus routes to Rita Island N/A

Commute to Ayr CBD

Distance
14 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
15-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
12-18 min

🛣️ Access via Anabranch Bridge; car essential for all travel. Townsville is approximately 1 hour north via the Bruce Highway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; no retail or services within the locality itself

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
172
▲ 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 Rita Island. 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 Rita Island known for? +

Rita Island is known for its sugar cane farming landscape and its location at the mouth of the Burdekin River delta. The Anabranch Bridge connecting it to the mainland is a notable local landmark.

How far is Rita Island from Townsville? +

Rita Island is approximately 102 kilometres south-east of Townsville, roughly an hour's drive via the Bruce Highway and local roads through Ayr.

Does Rita Island have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Rita Island. A car is the only practical way to reach the locality and travel to nearby Ayr or Townsville.

What is the population of Rita Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Rita Island has a population of 172 residents across an 86 square kilometre area, reflecting its low-density rural and agricultural character.

Is Rita Island a good place to live? +

Rita Island is suited to those who enjoy a quiet rural lifestyle close to the Queensland coast. With all services in nearby Ayr, it suits residents who value space and a farming community atmosphere over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Rita Island? +

The postcode for Rita Island is 4807.

Is Rita Island a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Rita Island 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.