Kuranda

Population growth drivers in Kuranda are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Kuranda's population was approximately 5,060 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 234 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,826. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,040 in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a population density ratio of 8.6 persons per square kilometer. Kuranda's population grew by 4.8% between the Census dates, which is within 2.5 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 7.3%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55.8% to this growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 where available. Projections indicate an above median population growth for Kuranda by 2041, with an expected increase of 876 persons reflecting a total increase of 16.9% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Kuranda when compared nationally

Kuranda has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 66 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY26. The average number of new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over these five years is around 5.3.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $325,000, in line with regional trends. In FY26, $494,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Kuranda shows approximately half the construction activity per person and places among the 50th percentile of areas assessed nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 91% standalone homes and 9% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 332 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Kuranda is expected to grow by 856 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kuranda has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Kuranda Subdivision Project, Northern Beaches Water Network Upgrade, The Palms, Seascape Terraces in Trinity Park. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Kuranda face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kuranda's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.9% as of September 2025.

There were 2,280 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 4.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 52.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Public administration & safety had an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employed only 3.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 5.6%. During the 12 months prior to September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.7% and employment decreased by 4.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 2.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kuranda's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Kuranda SA2 is lower than average nationally. The median income is $42,477 and the average is $55,533. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median is $50,780 and the average is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Kuranda are approximately $48,420 (median) and $63,302 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Kuranda fall between the 14th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 30.3% of individuals earn $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally. Kuranda's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Kuranda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Kuranda, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.9% of dwellings were houses while 8.1% consisted of other types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kuranda stood at 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.9% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Kuranda was recorded at $270, equal to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Kuranda's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,647 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national average of $375.

Kuranda features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.0% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 33.9% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Kuranda aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 25.1%, surpassing the SA3 area average of 17.9%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 30.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.4% in primary, 10.9% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Kuranda's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Kuranda residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

As of 2021, approximately 48% (~2,408 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.7% of residents) and mental health issues (7.2%). Around 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.5% in the rest of Queensland. As of June 2021, approximately 22.0% (1,111 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 25.1% in the rest of Queensland. Seniors' health outcomes are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Kuranda records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Kuranda's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region, as indicated by the following figures: 83.2% of Kuranda's population are citizens, 75.9% were born in Australia, and 91.5% speak English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Kuranda, comprising 36.7% of its population. The most significant deviation from regional averages lies in the 'Other' religious category, which accounts for 0.9% of Kuranda's population compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Kuranda are English (28.7%), Australian (21.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.2%). Notable disparities exist in the representation of Dutch (2.5% vs regional 1.1%), French (0.9% vs regional 0.4%), and German (5.1% vs regional 4.3%) ethnicities.

Kuranda hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Kuranda's median age of 47 years is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 55-64 cohort is over-represented in Kuranda at 17.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.2%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 7.0% of Kuranda's population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Kuranda's age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to expand by 159 people (38%), growing from 416 to 576. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 15 to 24 age range is expected to decrease.