Cairns City
Statistical Area - sa2

Cairns City lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Cairns City's population was approximately 13,717 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 9.2% since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,567 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,509 in June 2024 and an additional 185 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 2,208 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cairns City's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.2%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.4% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and using 2022 data for each age cohort. Population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041. Cairns City is expected to gain approximately 4,055 persons by then, marking a total increase of 28.1% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Cairns City according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Cairns City has averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 49 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with 40 approvals so far in FY26. This results in an average of 12.5 new residents per year for every home built during this period, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. Commercial approvals registered this financial year totalled $308.0 million, suggesting strong local business investment.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Cairns City has seen significantly reduced construction activity, with 79.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Nationally, this figure is also below average, potentially indicating planning constraints or market maturity. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. By 2041, Cairns City is projected to grow by 3,847 residents.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Cairns City has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 68 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being Cairns Health and Innovation Centre (CHIC), Cairns Hospital Expansion Project, Cairns University Hospital Expansion, and Esplanade Waterfront Apartment Towers. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Cairns City has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Cairns City has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 4.9%.

In comparison to the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, Cairns City's is 1.0% higher. Workforce participation in Cairns City is lower at 54.8% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Residents are primarily employed in accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade sectors. Notably, the employment share in accommodation & food is 2.6 times higher than the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area functions as an employment hub with a worker-to-resident ratio of 1.9. During the year to June 2025, Cairns City's labour force decreased by 1.5%, and employment declined by 2.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. By Sep-25, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.26% and the unemployment rate was 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cairns City's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Cairns City had a median taxpayer income of $52,262 and an average income of $64,999 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Nationally, this is approximately average, compared to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. As of March 2025, current estimates project a median income of approximately $58,382 and an average income of $72,610, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 57th percentile ($838 weekly), with household income at the 26th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band includes 30.7% of Cairns City's community (4,211 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Cairns City features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Cairns City, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 19.2% houses and 80.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cairns City stood at 18.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.1% and rented dwellings at 62.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Cairns City was $330, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Cairns City's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cairns City features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 47.2% of all households, including 11.7% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 52.8%, with lone person households at 43.4% and group households comprising 9.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Cairns City shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Cairns City is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 36.0% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 21.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 14.5% and certificates at 23.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 38.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in secondary education, 9.3% in tertiary education, and 7.7% pursuing primary education. There are 7 schools operating within Cairns City, educating approximately 4,285 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1028) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 3 primary, 3 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (31.2 places per 100 residents vs 22.5 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis in Cairns City shows 32 active bus stops operating. These are serviced by 20 routes, offering 1856 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically 254 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 265 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cairns City's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis shows Cairns City has low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages.

Private health cover rate is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~7,119 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are most common, affecting 7.9% and 5.8% respectively. 74.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has 14.1% seniors (1,928 people), lower than the state average of 15.7%. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, outperforming the general population.

Cairns City is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cairns City has a high level of cultural diversity, with 29.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 41.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cairns City, making up 41.5% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, which comprises 2.4% of the population compared to 1.5% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (22.3%), Other (19.2%), and Australian (15.1%), with Australian being notably lower than the regional average of 21.9%. There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: French is overrepresented at 1.0% compared to 0.5% regionally, Spanish at 1.0% compared to 0.4%, and Korean at 1.4% compared to 0.4%.

Cairns City's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Cairns City's median age is 36, which is lower than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's median of 38 years. Locally, the 25-34 cohort is over-represented at 27.9%, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 5.9%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have reduced the median age by 1.5 years to 36. During this period, the 25-34 age group has increased from 23.8% to 27.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.1% to 10.9%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Cairns City. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, reaching 5,390 people from its current total of 3,832.