Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Blacks Beach

Blacks Beach is a relaxed coastal suburb on the northern side of Mackay centred on a long sweep of sand facing the Coral Sea. Its low-rise, beachside character mixes original seaside cottages, modern family homes and some waterfront residences, and life is shaped by the shoreline: swimming, fishing and long coastal walks are a regular part of the week, with foreshore parks and dune reserves providing nearby green space.

The community of about 4,153 people has a median age of 31 and is weighted towards couple families, with the two couple categories making up roughly three in four families. Homes are more often rented than owner-occupied, with 54.6% rented. A small local shopping strip, convenient road links to Mackay, completed park upgrades and ongoing coastal-management work, plus the established Mackay Surf Life Saving Club and council lifeguard services, all shape everyday life here. Whether Blacks Beach suits you will come down to how much you value close beach access and an easy seaside lifestyle.

Against what a typical local household earned at the last Census, housing costs in Blacks Beach take a noticeable slice of income. A house rent of $655 a week is about 32.5% of a $2,013-a-week household income, which is a sizeable share, while a unit rent of $580 a week is about 28.8% of that income, a moderate share. For renters, those rent shares are the most relevant numbers.

Buying sits higher: the median house price of $710,000 works out to about 6.8 times a typical local household's annual income at the last Census, which places buying well above local incomes. Whether that feels expensive will depend on your own income and circumstances.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

Both houses and units in Blacks Beach posted strong price gains over the past 12 months. Median unit values jumped 29.4% and median house values climbed 18.8%. Rents rose as well, though by smaller amounts: unit rents increased 11.5% and house rents rose 5.6% over the same period, so value growth outpaced rental growth for both property types.

If you care most about capital growth, these value movements are the headline; if rental income is your priority, the rent increases are the relevant figures. Which of those outcomes matters to you will depend on your own goals and circumstances.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.