🔍

Willows

QLD 4702 • Queensland

139
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1209.57 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralAgricultural
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About Willows

Willows is a vast, sparsely populated rural locality in Queensland's Central Highlands Region, covering approximately 1,210 square kilometres of semi-arid grazing country in the state's interior. Located around 341 kilometres west of Rockhampton and approximately 71 kilometres west-southwest of Emerald, the locality recorded a population of just 139 people at the 2021 Census across 59 dwellings — giving it one of the lowest population densities of any inhabited locality in Queensland. The economy is centred almost entirely on pastoral grazing, with large cattle and sheep stations being the primary land use across its vast property holdings.

Life in Willows reflects the resilient, self-sufficient character of remote outback Queensland, where vast distances between neighbours are the norm and a private vehicle is absolutely essential. Emerald serves as the nearest regional centre of significance, offering shopping, healthcare, and schooling, while the Central Western Railway line traverses the broader district connecting it to Rockhampton on the coast. The landscape features open Mitchell grass plains and scattered eucalypt woodland, with an expansive sky and quiet solitude that defines the character of life on the Queensland interior.

Willows falls under postcode 4702 and is governed by the Central Highlands Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Flynn, while state elections fall under the Rockhampton electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4702
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Central Highlands
Federal Electorate
Flynn
State Electorate
Rockhampton
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.28°, 150.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1209.57 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4702

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4702, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$49,286
Median 2023–24
$61,737
▲ 25.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$72,932

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4702; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Emerald / Rockhampton Car required; Emerald ~45-60 min

Commute to Rockhampton CBD

Distance
341 km
By Train
No direct service from locality; Emerald has limited long-distance rail connections
By Car (Peak)
3 h 30 min - 4 h
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 h - 3 h 30 min

🛣️ Capricorn Highway provides the main route east to Emerald and Rockhampton; 4WD recommended for station tracks

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Completely car-dependent; Emerald is the nearest town for essential services, approximately 70 km away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
139
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
841.5 / 100k
2yr Up 79.3% 10yr Up 85.7%
Motor vehicle theft
309.7 / 100k
2yr Up 12.1% 10yr Up 169.2%
Non-FV assault
1,373.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 210.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.7 / 100k
2yr Down 51.2% 10yr Up 93.1%
Steal from vehicle
356.8 / 100k
2yr Up 43.6% 10yr Down 39.1%
View all offence categories for Central Highlands →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Willows known for? +

Willows is known as a remote pastoral locality in Queensland's Central Highlands, characterised by large cattle and sheep stations across vast open grasslands. The area forms part of the Central Western grazing belt, one of Queensland's most important livestock production regions.

How far is Willows from Rockhampton? +

Willows is approximately 341 kilometres west of Rockhampton CBD, making it a 3.5 to 4 hour drive via the Capricorn Highway. Emerald is the nearest significant service centre at approximately 71 kilometres to the east.

Does Willows have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Willows. A private vehicle — ideally suited to outback driving — is essential for all travel and daily errands, with Emerald being the closest town for retail and services.

What is the population of Willows? +

According to the 2021 Census, Willows has a population of 139 residents across approximately 59 dwellings, spread across an enormous 1,210 square kilometres, making it one of the most sparsely populated localities in Queensland.

Is Willows a good place to live? +

Willows suits those drawn to the outback pastoral lifestyle, offering vast open spaces, a tight-knit station community, and the unique character of remote Queensland. It is best suited to people already engaged in, or connected to, the agricultural industry.

What is the postcode for Willows? +

The postcode for Willows is 4702, shared with a broad area of Central Queensland including Rockhampton and surrounding districts.

Is Willows a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Willows is part of the Central Highlands 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.