Kuranda

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Kuranda statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 3,370 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 97 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,273 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,355 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 29 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the Kuranda (SA2) expected to grow by 590 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.2% in total 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 indicates Kuranda recorded approximately 7 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 36 homes were approved, with one more in FY26 so far. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 6.4 people per year over these five years, suggesting supply lagged demand significantly, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $592,000, indicating developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end dwellings. This financial year, commercial development approvals totalled $494,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Kuranda's recent development.

All approved developments have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 450 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Kuranda is projected to grow by 615 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 in the area.

Kuranda has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may impact this region. Notable projects 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.

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 has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 10.8% based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,441 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 50.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Education & training had a particularly high employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employed only 3.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 5.6%. The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3%, alongside a 5.4% employment decline, causing unemployment rate to rise by 3.0 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 showed QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Kuranda. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variation between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Kuranda's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kuranda had a median taxpayer income of $40,974 and an average income of $53,568. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,035 (median) and $58,877 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Kuranda fall between the 11th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 29.1% of locals (980 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the broader area at 31.7%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Kuranda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with strong 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 including semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. The home ownership rate was 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 34.0% and rented ones at 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,595, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $260. Nationally, Kuranda's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households making up 4.2%. 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 27.3%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of SA4 region at 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 13.1% and certificates make up 28.0%.

Educational participation is high at 33.5%, including 12.3% in primary education, 11.4% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing 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. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,632 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 7.6% of residents respectively. 70.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 0% in the Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 21.8% of Kuranda's population is aged 65 and over (734 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming 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, with 81.9% citizens, 76.7% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 37.0%. Judaism, at 0.1%, is overrepresented compared to the Rest of Qld (None%).

The top ancestral groups are English (26.9%), Australian (20.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.0%). Notably, Dutch (2.2%) French (0.9%), and Welsh (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Kuranda compared to regional averages (None% each).

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

Kuranda's median age is 46 years, which 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 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.1% to 7.1% of Kuranda's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.5%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 12.6% to 11.4%. By 2041, Kuranda is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 118 people and reaching a total of 415 from the current figure of 296. The 15 to 24 age group is expected to show no growth, with an increase of 0 residents.