Alice River

QLD 4817 • Rest of QLD

2,685
Population (2021)
$51,792
Median Income
39.76 km²
Area
$415/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralAcreageGrowth SuburbFamily-FriendlyOuter Suburban

About Alice River

Alice River is an outer south-western suburb of Townsville in North Queensland, previously known as Rupertswood. With a population of around 2,685 residents, it covers a large 39.8 square kilometres of semi-rural land. The suburb is bounded by the Hervey Range Developmental Road to the north and features a mix of acreage properties and newer residential developments. Sitting at an elevation of 48 metres, it offers views of the surrounding ranges and a quieter alternative to urban Townsville.

Alice River appeals to families and those seeking a rural lifestyle with proximity to Townsville's amenities, which are about 20 kilometres to the northeast. The suburb features larger blocks ideal for those wanting space, horses, or hobby farming. Local facilities are limited, with residents relying on nearby Thuringowa and Townsville for shopping, schools, and services. The area has seen steady residential growth as Townsville expands, attracting buyers priced out of closer-in suburbs.

Alice River falls under postcode 4817 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hinchinbrook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4817
Urban Area
Thuringowa
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.35°, 146.63°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
39.76 km²
Elevation
48m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited Townsville Bus services — Townsville CBD / Thuringowa 30-45 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
20 km
By Train
N/A
By Bus
40-50 min (limited frequency)
By Car (Peak)
25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20 min

🛣️ Car essential; bus services are infrequent to this outer area

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very limited walkable amenities; car required for virtually all errands and commuting.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$415
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
3.1 people
Median Age
38 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,425
Census 2021
2,685
10.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$43,992
Income 2021
$51,792
17.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,375
Born Overseas 240

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 76
  • 2. New Zealand 46
  • 3. South Africa 16
  • 4. Zimbabwe 15
  • 5. Scotland 13
  • 6. United States 8
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 7
  • 8. Philippines 7
  • 9. India 6
  • 10. Malaysia 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,234
English 1,170
Scottish 311
Irish 285
Italian 183
German 158
Australian Aboriginal 124
Dutch 35
Chinese 24
Filipino 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,999
Both parents born in Australia
322
Both parents born overseas
289
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
55.8%
No Religion
39.9%
Buddhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
167 (6.2%)
5-14 years
442 (16.5%)
15-19 years
186 (6.9%)
20-24 years
134 (5.0%)
25-34 years
316 (11.8%)
35-44 years
398 (14.8%)
45-54 years
398 (14.8%)
55-64 years
336 (12.5%)
65-74 years
219 (8.2%)
75-84 years
74 (2.8%)
85+ years
12 (0.4%)

Nearby Suburbs