Black River (Qld)

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In the suburb of Black River (Qld), based on Districts evaluations of ABS regional data and post-Census address validation, the resident count is projected to be approximately 1,645 in May 2026. Comparing this to the 2021 Census, which counted 1,493 individuals, represents a rise of 152 people (10.2%). The estimate of 1,645 is derived by Districts through analysing the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 50 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population corresponds to a density of 26 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. Black River (Qld)'s 10.2% growth rate exceeded both the wider SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 zone, positioning it as a local growth frontrunner. The main driver of this expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 68.0% of the population increase, with natural growth and overseas migration also making positive contributions.

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The local workforce is composed of a mix of white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a high concentration in the construction sector, and an unemployment rate of only 3.1% based on compiled regional data. As of March 2026, there are 822 employed locals, reflecting an unemployment rate that is 0.9% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld, while labor participation is closely aligned with the Regional Qld figure of 64.3%. Census details show that a minor 10.4% of residents worked from their homes, although this figure should be interpreted in the context of past pandemic lockdowns.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 show that personal earnings in Black River are significantly above the national averages, with a median of $66,811 and an average of $75,488. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, these figures are estimated to have reached approximately $74,401 for the median and $84,063 for the average by March 2026. According to Census data, household, family, and individual incomes are positioned around the 58th percentile nationally. The most prominent weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, accounting for 38.7% of the community (636 residents), which aligns with the regional trend where 31.7% fall into the same bracket. Residents retain of their earnings after housing expenses, demonstrating strong spending capacity, and the area is positioned in the th decile on the SEIFA income index.

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According to the latest Census data, residential housing in Black River consists of 97.8% separate houses and 2.2% other housing types, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, whereas Regional Qld comprises 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% other dwelling types. Home ownership is recorded at 33.1%, matching the rate of Regional Qld, with mortgaged properties making up 57.0% and rented properties accounting for 9.9% of homes. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,625 is lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rental cost of $320 compares to $345 regionally. On a national scale, Black River mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably below the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent 80.0% of the local area, consisting of 34.2% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 11.4% single-parent households. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.0%, consisting of lone-person households at 17.2% and group houses at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 residents, exceeding the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The local population has low rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 10.2%, considerably below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights an opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are held by 8.1% of residents, postgraduate qualifications by 1.6%, and graduate diplomas by 0.5%. Vocational training is common, with 48.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 39.1%.

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Black River exhibits notable health issues based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates, with health conditions present across both young and older groups, while the rate of private medical insurance is high, covering approximately 57% of the population, which equates to about 939 people. This is higher than the 52.5% coverage recorded across Regional Qld.

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Cultural diversity in Black River is lower than average, with citizens representing 89.9% of the population, 91.2% of residents born in Australia, and 98.5% of households using only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 56.3% of the local community, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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The median age of residents is 41 years, aligning with the Regional Qld average of 41 and sitting higher than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Black River has a higher share of residents aged 55 - 64 at 14.4%, but a lower share of those aged 85+ at 0.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 4.0% to 5.6% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 9.1% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 demographic fell from 14.0% to 12.5%, and the 5 to 14 demographic declined from to . Looking toward demographic models indicate changes in the age structure of the suburb of Black River (Qld), with the to age bracket projected to grow by (an increase of people, moving from to ), while the to age bracket is projected to increase by (an increase of people).

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Black River currently has an estimated 98 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 55 children aged 0-2 and 37 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 24% by 2041 (to approximately 122 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 166. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.