Kuranda
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Kuranda are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Kuranda's population is 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 estimates: 5,040 in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 8.6 persons per square kilometer. Kuranda's growth rate of 4.8% since the Census is within 2.5 percentage points of its SA3 area (7.3%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 55.8% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 using 2021 data are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for national regional areas. Kuranda is expected to grow by 876 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.9% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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, a total of 66 homes were approved, and another 2 have been approved so far in FY26. On average, around 5.3 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This has led to demand significantly outpacing supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new homes is $325,000, aligning with regional trends. In this financial year, $494,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominant focus on residential development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Kuranda exhibits roughly half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 50th percentile nationally, reflecting market maturity and suggesting possible development constraints.

New developments consist of 91% standalone homes and 9% attached dwellings, preserving 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 projected to grow by 856 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kuranda has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Kuranda Subdivision Project, Northern Beaches Water Network Upgrade, The Palms development, Seascape Terraces at Trinity Park, and other projects detailed below as most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Kuranda are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kuranda has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.5% as of June 2025.

There were 2,326 residents employed at this time, which is 3.6% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Kuranda lags behind the rest of Queensland, with a rate of 52.7% compared to the regional average of 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. There is particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share that is 1.4 times higher than the regional level.

However, manufacturing employs only 3.9% of local workers, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 5.6%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, Kuranda experienced a decrease in labour force by 1.5% and employment by 3.4%, leading to an increase in unemployment rate of 1.8 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that while overall employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Kuranda's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years. However, it is important to note that these figures are based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and do not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Kuranda at $42,477 and average income at $55,533. This is lower than national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average). Comparing to Rest of Qld's figures, Kuranda has a median income 13.99% lower than the region's average growth since financial year 2022, estimated at approximately $48,420 as of September 2025. Census 2021 data reveals that incomes in Kuranda fall between the 15th and 24th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 30.3% of Kuranda's community, similar to 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

Kuranda's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares 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. Weekly rent in Kuranda was recorded at $270, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Kuranda's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,647 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 17.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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. The area has two schools serving 490 students: Cairns Hinterland Steiner School and Kuranda District State College. These schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.7, below the regional average of 16.8, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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 cohorts.

As of 2021, approximately 48% (~2,408 people) of Kuranda's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 8.7% of residents) and mental health issues (7.2%). In comparison, 70.6% of Kuranda residents declare they are completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 67.5% reported across Rest of Qld. As of 2021, approximately 22.0% (1,111 people) of Kuranda's residents are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 25.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors in Kuranda are particularly 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 wider region, with 83.2% citizens, 75.9% born in Australia, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 36.7%. The 'Other' category is slightly overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (28.7%), Australian (21.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.2%). Dutch (2.5%) and French (0.9%) are notably more prevalent than the regional averages of 1.1% and 0.4%, respectively, while German is slightly overrepresented at 5.1%.

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 significantly 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 average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.0% to 7.0% of Kuranda's population. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.5%. Demographic projections suggest Kuranda's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to expand by 159 people, from 416 to 576, a 38% increase. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 15-24 age range is expected to decrease.