🔍

Bowen

QLD 4805 • Rest of QLD

11,205
Population (2021)
$69,836
Median Household Income
1796.27 km²
Area
$270/wk
Median Rent
CoastalCountry TownNorth QueenslandAffordable

About Bowen

Bowen is a coastal town in North Queensland, 200 kilometres south of Cairns. The town is famous for its mangoes and beaches, serving as a gateway to the Whitsundays with a genuine Australian country town character.

Coastal country town character defines Bowen—beautiful beaches, agricultural heritage, and affordable living attract those seeking regional Queensland lifestyle. The community enjoys seaside small-town life.

Bowen falls under postcode 4805 and is governed by Whitsunday Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burdekin electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4805
Urban Area
Bowen (Qld)
LGA / Council
Whitsunday
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Burdekin
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-20.13°, 148.06°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
1796.27 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
49m

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🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$270
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.6%

174 state housing + 92 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 2880-3840 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
960 km
By Train
Approximately 2400 min to Brisbane CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 960 km north-west of Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Centrepoint, Cnr Richmond And Old Soldier Roads Bowen 4805 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
564.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 14.5%
Motor vehicle theft
263.1 / 100k
2yr Up 17.4% 10yr Up 85.5%
Non-FV assault
1,583.7 / 100k
2yr Up 27.6% 10yr Up 218.0%
Robbery (unarmed)
23.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 65.2%
Steal from vehicle
287.1 / 100k
2yr Down 10.9% 10yr Down 33.5%
View all offence categories for Whitsunday →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,377
Census 2021
11,205
▲ 8.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,420
Personal Income 2021
$36,920
▲ 21.4% 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
$36,920 / yr
$710/wk
Household
$69,836 / yr
$1343/wk
Family
$92,560 / yr
$1780/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 8,401
Born Overseas 1,620

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 266
  • 2. England 234
  • 3. Philippines 128
  • 4. Taiwan 62
  • 5. Germany 51
  • 6. Vietnam 49
  • 7. South Korea 45
  • 8. Thailand 44
  • 9. China 38
  • 10. France 32

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 4,245
English 3,935
Irish 1,086
Scottish 1,085
Australian Aboriginal 1,028
German 584
Italian 264
Filipino 180
Chinese 132
Dutch 110

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

7,217
Both parents born in Australia
1,883
Both parents born overseas
927
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.5%
No Religion
37.5%
Buddhism
0.9%
Islam
0.5%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
568 (5.1%)
5-14 years
1,473 (13.1%)
15-19 years
573 (5.1%)
20-24 years
556 (5.0%)
25-34 years
1,429 (12.8%)
35-44 years
1,298 (11.6%)
45-54 years
1,384 (12.4%)
55-64 years
1,649 (14.7%)
65-74 years
1,330 (11.9%)
75-84 years
718 (6.4%)
85+ years
236 (2.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bowen known for? +

Bowen is a well-established residential suburb in Whitsunday (Regional Council), QLD, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 11,205 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of QLD region.

How far is Bowen from Brisbane CBD? +

Bowen is approximately 960 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is a significant distance from the city and is oriented towards its local regional centre rather than the capital CBD.

Does Bowen have public transport? +

Bowen is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Brisbane CBD.

What is the population of Bowen? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bowen has a population of approximately 11,205 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Whitsunday (Regional Council) district.

Is Bowen a good place to live? +

Bowen appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $42,178, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most QLD suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Bowen? +

The postcode for Bowen, QLD is 4805.

What is the average income in Bowen? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Bowen is about $710 per week (around $36,900 per year). The median household income is $1,343 per week and the median family income is $1,780 per week.

What is the age profile of Bowen? +

The median age in Bowen is 42. The largest age group is 55–64 (1,649 residents, around 15%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Bowen a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bowen is part of the Whitsunday 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 Bowen? +

In Bowen, the median weekly rent is $270, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,500 (2021 Census).