Karumba

Population

Total Population: The total usual resident population for the locality of Karumba was 487 people.

Percentage of Women: 45.4%

Percentage of Men: 54.6%

Average Age

Median Age in the Region: The median age for people in Karumba was 55 years. This is substantially higher than the Queensland median age of 38, indicating a large population of older long-term residents and retirees, despite the town’s industrial base.

Income (Weekly Household)

The median weekly household income for Karumba was $974 AUD, which is significantly lower than the Queensland median of $1,675. This low figure is heavily influenced by the large number of retirees in the population.

Due to the small size of the locality, detailed percentage breakdowns for specific household income brackets are limited. The three largest income brackets based on the overall distribution are likely to be:

$650 – $799 per week: Likely the largest cluster, reflecting pension incomes.

$1,000 – $1,249 per week: This aligns with low-to-mid service wages in the area.

$3,000 – $3,499 per week: A smaller, high-earning cluster representing the managerial and skilled workers in the mining and fishing industries.

Industry

Accommodation and Food Services: This is a major employer, reflecting the town’s reliance on tourism, particularly recreational fishing and seasonal visitors.

Fishing and Aquaculture (part of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing): The port is a crucial base for the commercial prawn and fin-fish (Barramundi) industries.

Transport, Postal and Warehousing: This is vital due to the town’s function as a port facility (specifically for the export of mineral concentrate, such as zinc, via a pipeline from the Dugald River/Century mines).