Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Alice River

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

Alice River suburb profile

Alice River is a picturesque suburb located approximately 20km southwest of Townsville, Queensland, known for its tranquil rural lifestyle and spacious properties. Often referred to as Rupertswood, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while maintaining convenient access to urban amenities. The suburb is characterized by its large residential blocks, making it ideal for families seeking space and privacy. With a strong sense of community, Alice River hosts local events and activities, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Its proximity to natural attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities adds to its appeal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

Alice River property market performance

Alice River's property market has shown positive growth in the housing sector over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 7.8%. The current median house price stands at $1.025 million. However, there is no activity in the unit market, as indicated by a median unit price of $0 and no units sold in the past year.

Sales activity for houses has been modest, with 12 houses sold over the last 12 months. Houses are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 22 days on the market, suggesting strong demand in the housing sector.

The rental market in Alice River remains inactive, with no recorded average rent or changes in rent for both houses and units over the past 12 months, indicating a potential area for future development.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.02MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
7.8%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
12N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
22N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

Alice River demographics

Alice River, located in the Townsville region of Queensland, offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle. With a population of 2,685, the suburb is characterized by its spacious properties and a strong sense of community. The median age of 38 suggests a mature population, with many families and long-term residents enjoying the area's tranquil setting and proximity to natural attractions.

The suburb's housing market is predominantly owner-occupied, with a significant 65.3% of properties owned with a mortgage, and 27.5% owned outright. This indicates a stable community with a high level of homeownership, reflecting the suburb's appeal to families and individuals looking for long-term settlement. The rental market is relatively small, with only 7.2% of properties being rented, which further underscores the suburb's focus on homeownership and community stability.

Family life is a central aspect of Alice River, with 50.8% of households being couple families with children, and 39.1% being couple families without children. The presence of one-parent families, at 9.6%, adds to the suburb's diverse family dynamics. The high median total household income of $2,468 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, likely supported by employment opportunities in nearby Townsville. Overall, Alice River offers a blend of suburban comfort and community-oriented living, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Alice River infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Alice River remains a predominantly rural and rural-residential suburb, with most land zoned for low-density living and open space, which supports its appeal to buyers seeking larger blocks and a semi-rural lifestyle.[4] Proximity to established amenities in nearby Mount Margaret and Rupertswood estates, including local shops, a service station, medical services and a tavern, helps offset the lack of major retail and commercial centres within the suburb itself and underpins its liveability for families and commuters.[1][4] Residents typically rely on car travel for work and services, with minimal public transport usage, so any future road or transport upgrades in the broader Townsville corridor would be important for accessibility and long-term demand.[4]

There are currently no widely publicised major new schools, hospitals, or large-scale infrastructure projects directly within Alice River, and local planning remains focused on rural and rural-residential uses rather than higher-density redevelopment.[4][5] This stable planning framework, combined with ongoing demand for acreage properties on the fringe of Townsville, suggests that changes in Alice River’s property market are more likely to be driven by broader regional growth and lifestyle trends than by specific local infrastructure projects in the short term.[4][5]

Alice River rental market trends

The rental market in Alice River has remained stable over the past year, with no change in both house and unit rents, which stand at $0 per week. This indicates a lack of rental activity or data in the area, suggesting potential opportunities for future development or investment in this suburban region.

Suburbs near Alice River

Some popular suburbs near Alice River include:

Common questions about Alice River

  • Is Alice River a nice place to live?

    Alice River is a charming and peaceful suburb that offers a delightful blend of rural tranquility and suburban convenience. Nestled approximately 20km southwest of Townsville, it provides a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. The suburb is known for its spacious properties, which are perfect for families who value privacy and room to grow. The strong sense of community is palpable, with local events and activities fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

    Living in Alice River means enjoying the best of both worlds: the quiet, rural vibe with the convenience of nearby urban amenities. While the suburb itself may not boast major retail or commercial centers, its proximity to Mount Margaret and Rupertswood estates ensures residents have access to essential services like local shops, medical facilities, and a tavern. For families, the suburb's spacious blocks and community-oriented environment make it an appealing place to raise children, with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities to explore.

    Safety is generally not a concern in Alice River, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly suburb. However, one trade-off of living here is the reliance on car travel for commuting and accessing services, as public transport options are limited. This means that any future road or transport upgrades in the Townsville corridor would be beneficial for enhancing accessibility. While the suburb may lack the nightlife and entertainment options of more urban areas, its peaceful setting and strong community spirit more than compensate for this, offering a balanced lifestyle for those who appreciate a quieter pace of life.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in Alice River?

    Living in Alice River can be considered expensive, especially when you look at the current property market. The median house price in Alice River is a hefty $1,025,000, which is quite significant for a suburb that isn't near a capital city. This price point is higher than many other areas in Queensland, suggesting that buying a home here would require a substantial financial commitment.

    Comparing this with the average full-time wage in Queensland, which is about $95,000 per year, it's clear that purchasing a property in Alice River would take a considerable portion of one's income. The median total household income in Alice River is $2,468 per week, which is relatively high, but the cost of buying a home still represents a major investment.

    While Alice River might offer a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the high property prices mean that living here isn't cheap. If you're thinking of living in Alice River, it's important to assess your financial situation carefully to ensure it aligns with the costs associated with buying a home in this suburb.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
    Down Pointer
  • Is Alice River a good place to invest?

    Alice River presents a unique investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in the housing market. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a notable 7.8% increase in median house values, indicating a healthy demand for properties in the area. This growth suggests that Alice River is gaining traction among buyers, which could be attributed to its appealing lifestyle and community atmosphere.

    While the rental market for both houses and units has remained stable with no change in rental prices over the last 12 months, this stability can be seen as a positive aspect for investors seeking consistent rental income. The lack of change in unit values might suggest a more cautious approach for unit investments, but it also highlights potential for future growth as the suburb continues to develop.

    Overall, Alice River offers a promising environment for property investment, especially for those focusing on houses. Its recent growth in house values and stable rental market make it an attractive option for investors looking for a balance of capital appreciation and steady rental returns. As the suburb continues to evolve, it could provide further opportunities for those willing to invest in its potential.

    Down Pointer

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.