Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.
Karratha offers a materially higher gross yield (6.9% vs 4.4%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Karratha achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Townsville requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Karratha WA · #10 | Townsville QLD · #16 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 6.9% | 4.4% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.2% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $490k | $595k |
| Weekly Rent | $650/wk | $500/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$8,320 | $-4,940 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Slightly-Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +5% | +7.8% |
| Price Growth 12m | +7% | +10.4% |
| NG Dependence | None | Medium |
| Discovery Status | Emerging | Emerging |
| Population | 17k | 180k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE | ◆ NEUTRAL |
| Signal Score | 63 / Tier 1 | 57 / Tier 2 |
$650/wk rent at $490k is one of the best risk-adjusted yield profiles in Australia for a town with genuine long-term employment. Woodside's Pluto LNG trains are 30+ year assets. Cashflow positive by $8,320/yr pre-cost. High income residents make for reliable tenants.
Townsville is North Queensland's largest city and a significant ADF hub — Lavarack Barracks (Army) and RAAF Base Townsville. James Cook University and Townsville University Hospital underpin stable public-sector employment. The market has recovered materially from its 2015–2019 downturn. At $595k and $500/wk, cashflow is slightly negative at standard LVR — not the positive-cashflow market it was two years ago, but yield of 4.4% remains competitive for a city of this scale.
CoreLogic WA Q1 2025 · REIWA Karratha median Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Woodside investor presentation 2024 · Pilbara Regional Council housing report 2024
Data vintage: Q1 2025
REIQ/PropTrack 2025 region estimate. Verify against current REIQ data before publishing. Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
The interactive tool lets you add up to 4 suburbs for a full side-by-side breakdown with score components.
Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.