Kuranda

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

As of Nov 2025, Kuranda's population is estimated at around 3,386 people, reflecting an increase of 113 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,273 people. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,372 based on ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 29 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

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 used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Population projections indicate an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Kuranda expected to grow by 593 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kuranda recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Kuranda has recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 43 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. On average, 5.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This supply lagging behind demand typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $592,000.

In terms of commercial development, $197,000 in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal activity. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Kuranda's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 422 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Kuranda will gain 602 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Kuranda has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Kuranda Subdivision Project, Northern Beaches Water Network Upgrade, The Palms, and Estia on Arlington. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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

Kuranda's unemployment rate was 9.3% as of an unspecified date, with essential services sectors well represented in its skilled workforce. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.4%, which is 1.5 percentage points higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Kuranda was 50.4%, significantly lower than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Education & training had a particularly high representation at 1.4 times the regional level, while manufacturing showed lower representation at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 5.6%. From Jun-2024 to Jul-2025, Kuranda's labour force decreased by 2.0%, and employment decreased by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and the labour force grow by 2.0%, with unemployment rising by only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase in employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kuranda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Kuranda had a median income among taxpayers of $40,974 and an average level of $53,568. This is lower than the national average and compares with levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $46,706 (median) and $61,062 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Kuranda all fall between the 11th and 19th percentiles nationally. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 29.1% of residents (985 people), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Kuranda, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

Kuranda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Kuranda, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.3% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no houses or other dwellings recorded at the time of the Census. Home ownership in Kuranda stood at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented ones at 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,595, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $260, unlike Non-Metro Qld which had no recorded rents. Nationally, Kuranda's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kuranda features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 66.8 percent of all households, including 23.0 percent couples with children, 30.8 percent couples without children, and 11.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.2 percent, with lone person households at 29.2 percent and group households comprising 4.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 27.3% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's rate of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 28.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.3% in primary, 11.4% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 490 students: Kuranda District State College and Cairns Hinterland Steiner School. Both offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity.

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 for Kuranda shows relatively positive outcomes with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 1,639 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 7.6% of residents respectively. A high proportion, 70.8%, report being completely free from medical ailments, contrasting with the 0% reported across the rest of Queensland. Kuranda has a senior population of 21.8% (around 738 people aged 65 and over). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming those of 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 81.9% citizens, 76.7% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 37.0%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to none in the rest of Queensland.

Top ancestry groups are English (26.9%), Australian (20.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.0%). Dutch (2.2%), French (0.9%), and Welsh (0.7%) are notably overrepresented in Kuranda, unlike their regional counterparts which are none.

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

Kuranda's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Kuranda has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.8%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Kuranda's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.1% to 7.1%, while the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 13.7% to 12.5%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.4%. By 2041, Kuranda's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 40 people, reaching 416 from 297, while the 15 to 24 cohort is not expected to change in size.