Cairns North

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Cairns North is around 5,880. This reflects an increase of 546 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,334. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of the ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, is 5,712 residents. This results in a density ratio of 2,130 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cairns North's population growth of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.8%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Cairns North expected to grow by 1,671 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 25.8% over the 17 years.

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

Cairns North had two new dwellings approved annually between 2016 and 2020, totaling ten over the five-year period. This minimal construction activity reflects its rural nature, where development is primarily driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth figures.

Compared to the rest of Queensland and national averages, Cairns North has much lower development activity. New developments consisted of 20% standalone homes and 80% medium to high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living aims to provide more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. By 2041, Cairns North is projected to grow by 1,519 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

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

Cairns North has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 48 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre (CHIC), Cairns Hospital Expansion Project, Esplanade Waterfront Apartment Towers, and Cairns Smart Green Economy Initiative. The following list details 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.

Cairns North has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Cairns North has a well-educated workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 3,481 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Cairns North is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, the area specializes strongly in accommodation & food with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area functions as an employment hub with 1.0 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.2%, accompanied by a 2% decrease in employment, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cairns North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not consider localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Cairns North had a median taxpayer income of $54,444 and an average income of $67,713 in financial year 2022. This was higher than the national average, with Rest of Qld showing a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $62,061 and the average income around $77,186, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, personal income ranks at the 63rd percentile with a weekly income of $873, while household income sits at the 29th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 32.6% of individuals in Cairns North earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (1,916 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.2% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 23rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Cairns North's dwelling structure in its latest Census report showed 14.4% houses and 85.6% 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 North was at 16.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.2% and rented ones at 65.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Cairns North was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Cairns North's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 45.1% of all households, including 12.7% couples with children, 21.0% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 54.9%, with lone person households at 45.6% and group households comprising 9.2%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Cairns North is notably high, with 37.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 21.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 14.2% and certificates for 22.3%. Educational participation is high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in tertiary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing primary education.

Cairns North has two schools serving its students: Cairns State High School and Mother of Good Counsel School, with a combined capacity of 1,963 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1056). Educational provision follows conventional lines, with one primary and one secondary institution serving the area. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 33.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 22.4, indicating that Cairns North serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 16 active transport stops operating within Cairns North, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 11 individual routes, collectively facilitating 1,045 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 198 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 149 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Cairns North, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,176 people), compared to 50.1% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.5 and 5.6% of residents respectively, while 75.4% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (746 people), which is lower than the 15.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Cairns North 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 North has a high level of cultural diversity, with 28.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 39.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cairns North, accounting for 41.3% of the population. The most significant overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, which makes up 2.7% of Cairns North's population compared to 1.5% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (21.9%), Other (19.8%), and Australian (15.1%). Notably, Spanish (0.9%), Hungarian (0.4%), and Korean (0.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Cairns North compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.2%, and 0.4% respectively.

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

Cairns North has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Cairns North at 26.3%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 6.9%. This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.4 years to 36. During this period, the 25-34 age group has grown from 21.9% to 26.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 12.2% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Cairns North. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 39% (596 people), reaching 2,143 from 1,546. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (41 people).