🔍

Mount Isa

QLD 4825 • Queensland

172
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6963.71 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
Mining TownOutbackRegional CentreRemote

About Mount Isa

Mount Isa is a significant regional city in the Gulf Country of north-western Queensland, situated approximately 1,826 kilometres north-west of Brisbane and 904 kilometres west of Townsville, within the City of Mount Isa local government area. With a population of 18,317 at the 2021 Census, it is the largest city in Queensland's remote north-west and serves as the administrative, commercial, and services hub for the entire region. The city was established in 1923 following the discovery of vast mineral deposits, and sits at an elevation of 356 metres above sea level in an arid, semi-desert landscape.

Mount Isa is dominated by the Mount Isa Mines operation, historically one of the world's most productive mines for combined lead, silver, copper, and zinc output. The artificial Lake Moondarra, 19 kilometres north of the city, provides a popular recreational escape for swimming, fishing, and boating. The city is also famous for the Mount Isa Rodeo, one of Australia's largest and most celebrated outback rodeo events held annually in August. Despite its remote location, Mount Isa offers a full range of urban services including hospitals, schools, a shopping centre, and Mount Isa Airport, making it a self-contained regional centre.

Mount Isa falls under postcode 4825 and is governed by the Mount Isa Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Barkly electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4825
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mount Isa
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Barkly
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-20.73°, 139.49°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6963.71 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia — Townsville / Brisbane (long-distance coach) ~12 hr to Townsville

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
904 km
By Train
No active passenger rail service
By Car (Peak)
8 hr 30 min - 9 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 hr - 9 hr

🛣️ Mount Isa Airport provides the most practical link to Townsville and Brisbane; Greyhound coaches available for long-distance travel

Walkability Car-Dependent

The city centre has walkable retail and services, but most residents rely on cars for daily errands given the city's layout and distances

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
3,241.3 / 100k
2yr Down 43.8% 10yr Up 140.7%
Motor vehicle theft
703 / 100k
2yr Down 37.2% 10yr Up 244.6%
Non-FV assault
8,876.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 236.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
69.8 / 100k
2yr Up 230.4% 10yr Up 583.9%
Steal from vehicle
949.9 / 100k
2yr Down 30.0% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Mount Isa →

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
172
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mount Isa known for? +

Mount Isa is best known for Mount Isa Mines, historically one of the world's most productive lead, silver, copper, and zinc mining operations. It is also famous for the Mount Isa Rodeo, held every August and regarded as one of Australia's premier outback rodeo events.

How far is Mount Isa from Brisbane? +

Mount Isa is approximately 1,826 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, making it around a 20+ hour drive. Flying is the most practical option, with regular flights connecting Mount Isa Airport to Brisbane and Townsville.

Does Mount Isa have public transport? +

Mount Isa has limited local transport. The Inlander passenger train service between Townsville and Mount Isa was suspended, leaving Greyhound coaches and air travel as the main long-distance options. Within the city, a car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Mount Isa? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mount Isa has a population of 18,317, making it the largest city in north-western Queensland and the main service hub for the region.

Is Mount Isa a good place to live? +

Mount Isa offers a strong sense of community, good regional services, and an adventurous outback lifestyle. It suits those drawn to mining industry careers, outdoor activities, and close-knit regional living. The remote location and arid climate are important considerations.

What is the postcode for Mount Isa? +

The postcode for Mount Isa is 4825.

Is Mount Isa a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Mount Isa is part of the Mount Isa 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.