Black River

QLD 4818 • Rest of QLD

1,493
Population (2021)
$43,888
Median Income
61.20 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
RuralFamily-FriendlyAffordable

About Black River

Black River is a rural western suburb of Townsville in the City of Townsville, Queensland, located approximately 23.8 kilometres west of the Townsville CBD and 1,382 kilometres north of Brisbane. The suburb covers a large area of 61.2 square kilometres and had a population of 1,493 in the 2021 census, reflecting its semi-rural character. Named after the Black River that flows through it, the suburb provides a quiet, rural-residential setting on the outskirts of Townsville's urban fringe.

Black River attracts residents seeking acreage living and a country lifestyle within commuting distance of Townsville's employment, services, and amenities. The broad suburb includes a mix of hobby farms, rural residential blocks, and small acreage properties, with residents enjoying the area's open spaces and connection to the natural environment. Essential services are accessed in Townsville's western suburbs, while the Bruce Highway provides good connectivity north and south. The area is popular with families and those working in industries like mining, agriculture, and the Townsville industrial sector.

Black River falls under postcode 4818 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hinchinbrook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4818
Urban Area
Townsville - Northern Beaches
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.26°, 146.60°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
61.20 km²
Elevation
35m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
24 km
By Train
No rail service; car required
By Car (Peak)
30-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-30 min

🛣️ Bruce Highway and Hervey Range Road provide main access routes to Townsville

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very rural area with no public transport or footpaths; vehicle essential for all trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 3 parks and reserves in Black River.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,625
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
41 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,476
Census 2021
1,493
1.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$36,816
Income 2021
$43,888
19.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,250
Born Overseas 121

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 34
  • 2. New Zealand 34
  • 3. United States 6
  • 4. Canada 5
  • 5. Italy 5
  • 6. Malaysia 5
  • 7. Philippines 5
  • 8. Germany 4
  • 9. Hong Kong 4
  • 10. Thailand 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 643
English 638
Irish 175
Scottish 155
Australian Aboriginal 82
German 79
Italian 63
Dutch 14
Filipino 13
Polish 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,044
Both parents born in Australia
160
Both parents born overseas
162
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.2%
No Religion
38.5%
Buddhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
89 (6.0%)
5-14 years
213 (14.3%)
15-19 years
80 (5.4%)
20-24 years
56 (3.8%)
25-34 years
186 (12.5%)
35-44 years
201 (13.5%)
45-54 years
210 (14.1%)
55-64 years
221 (14.8%)
65-74 years
170 (11.4%)
75-84 years
60 (4.0%)
85+ years
11 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Black River QLD? +

Black River is a rural suburb located approximately 23.8 kilometres west of Townsville CBD in Queensland, within the City of Townsville local government area.

What is the population of Black River Townsville? +

Black River had a population of 1,493 residents according to the 2021 Australian Census.

Is Black River good for acreage living? +

Yes, Black River is popular for acreage and rural residential properties. The large land blocks, natural surroundings, and relative affordability compared to Townsville's inner suburbs make it attractive to families seeking space and a country lifestyle.

How far is Black River from Townsville CBD? +

Black River is approximately 23.8 kilometres west of the Townsville CBD, typically a 30-minute drive under normal conditions.