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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Westcourt is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Westcourt is around 4,044. This figure reflects an increase of 203 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,841. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,481 persons per square kilometer, placing Westcourt in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 5.3% growth since census is within 1.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.
For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered 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 released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The suburb of Westcourt is projected to grow by 887 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Westcourt is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Westcourt averaged approximately three approvals for new developments per year over the five years from 2016 to 2020 inclusive, with a total of 18 approvals during this period. This low level of development activity reflects the rural nature of Westcourt and is driven primarily by specific local housing needs rather than broader market demand. It should be noted that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics in Westcourt.
Compared to the rest of Queensland and national patterns, Westcourt has shown significantly less construction activity during this period. Recent development in Westcourt has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, which is reflective of the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typically preferred. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (38.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With approximately 3967 people per dwelling approval, Westcourt reflects a highly mature market.
According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Westcourt is forecasted to gain around 874 residents by the year 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could potentially lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Westcourt
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Westcourt has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of fifteen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Barlow Park Upgrade, Barlow Park Redevelopment, 396 Severin Street Social Housing Apartments, and Westcourt Walking Network Plan. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Cairns Hospital Master Plan - Stage 1 Expansion
More than $1 billion staged expansion and modernisation of Cairns Hospital under a 30-year campus master plan. Stage 1 includes a new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre with operating theatres, day surgery spaces, 40 overnight inpatient beds, specialist outpatient, clinical trials, simulation and collaboration spaces, plus a Health Management Hub, staff multi-storey car park of about 950 spaces, new helipad and support works. Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service lists Stage 1B as in planning, with Stage 1 building works expected to start in late 2026 and facilities operational in 2031.
Barlow Park Upgrade
A $91 million transformation of Cairns' premier multi-sports facility into a world-class stadium for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy. In March 2026, official designs by Architectus and HKS were unveiled, featuring a new shaded grandstand that increases permanent seating from 1,700 to 5,000. The project includes upgraded broadcast facilities, improved accessibility, and modernized athlete amenities. Early works are scheduled to begin after the 2026 football season, with the venue intended to serve as a high-performance training hub and host Olympic football preliminaries.
Far North Private Hospital
A new private hospital to be developed by locally owned Integrated Medical Services (IMS) Group within the Dugurrdja Precinct in Cairns CBD, adjacent to Cairns Hospital. IMS won a competitive tender process run by James Cook University (JCU) in October 2024 to finance, design and construct the facility, expanding its existing Far North Day Hospital into a full private hospital with overnight and short-stay capabilities. The hospital will co-locate with JCU's Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service to create the first integrated health, education and research precinct in Northern Australia. Services will include oncology, surgical, and specialist care. The building was expected to be finalised by end of 2026, with the broader Dugurrdja precinct to be completed over three to four years.
Resource Recovery 2040
A major roadmap and infrastructure program to overhaul Cairns waste management. The project addresses the 2026 closure of the Bedminster Advanced Resource Recovery Facility and aims to reach Queensland Government recovery targets of 90% by 2040. Key initiatives include the introduction of a 3-bin system for food and garden organics (FOGO) starting in 2026, the development of new in-vessel composting facilities, and upgrades to existing materials recovery and transfer station assets.
Barlow Park Redevelopment
Major 91 million AUD transformation of Barlow Park Stadium ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The upgrade features a new western grandstand designed by Architectus and HKS, increasing seating capacity from 1,700 to 5,000. Key improvements include a climate-responsive elevated seating bowl, upgraded player and official facilities, enhanced accessibility, and expanded food and beverage precincts. The project serves as the center for Far North Queensland athletics and various football codes.
Stan Williams Park Upgrades
An $18 million multi-stage redevelopment of Stan Williams Park into a premier sports and community hub. Stage 1 ($12M), completed in mid-2025, delivered a dual-level grandstand with over 500 seats, modern change rooms, a gym, and 2,500 sqm of undercover spectator space. Stage 2 ($6M), funded by the Queensland Government, includes the installation of an electronic scoreboard, field lighting upgrades, additional terraced seating, and enhanced junior facilities to support state-level rugby league and community events.
Smart water meter program 2023-2026
Cairns Regional Council is replacing existing mechanical water meters with over 50,000 smart water meters across the region. This initiative, part of the Water Demand Management Strategy, aims to improve water security, enable early leak detection, and provide residents with real-time usage data via a new customer portal. The rollout is scheduled for completion by July 2026.
Westcourt Walking Network Plan
A comprehensive infrastructure strategy endorsed by Cairns Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to transform pedestrian connectivity within a 2km radius of the DFO Shopping Centre. The plan identifies priority infrastructure upgrades, including missing footpath links and improved crossings, to enhance safety and accessibility for schools, community facilities, and public transport hubs. It is supported by the 2025/2026 Active Travel Program with a city-wide budget allocation of $3 million to address high-priority missing links and safety concerns.
Employment
Employment conditions in Westcourt face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Westcourt's workforce is skilled with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate, as aggregated by AreaSearch from statistical area data, is 8.9%. As of December 2025, 1,823 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement.
Workforce participation in Westcourt lags at 57.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.9% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.
The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 4.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.7 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Westcourt's local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
The suburb of Westcourt's median income among taxpayers was $50,426 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $62,716 during the same period. This compares to regional Queensland figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Westcourt would be approximately $56,154 (median) and $69,841 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Westcourt all fell between the 12th and 21st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile showed that 29.8% of locals (1,205 people) were in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Westcourt displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Dwelling structure in Westcourt, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 37.5% houses and 62.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Queensland's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westcourt was at 19.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.9%) or rented (61.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Westcourt was $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Queensland's $1,655 and $345 respectively. Nationally, Westcourt's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Westcourt features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 48.3 percent of all households, including 12.6 percent couples with children, 22.1 percent couples without children, and 12.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 51.7 percent, with lone person households at 44.5 percent and group households comprising 7.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Westcourt shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Westcourt's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 22.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (28.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
The analysis of public transportation in Westcourt indicates that there are ten active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with eight individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 1,207 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents typically residing 213 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As Westcourt is predominantly residential, most commuting occurs outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 84% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 6% and 3%, respectively.
On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 172 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 120 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Westcourt is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
AreaSearch's health assessment for Westcourt shows significant issues.
Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting various age groups. Private health cover is lower than average at 52%, covering approximately 2,104 people. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (8.1%) and mental health issues (7.5%). However, 66.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes for working-age individuals are typical. Westcourt has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.6%, or 873 people, compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Senior health outcomes face challenges but align with national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Westcourt was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Westcourt's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 34.0% born overseas and 26.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Westcourt, accounting for 50.6%. However, Buddhism saw significant overrepresentation at 4.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 1.1%.
In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (22.6%), Other (19.8%), and Australian (17.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 8.0% in Westcourt versus regional average of 3.9%, Korean at 0.8% versus 0.2%, and Samoan at 0.7% versus 0.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Westcourt's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Westcourt is 41 years, aligning with Regional Queensland's average and slightly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Westcourt has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 16.0% to 18.1%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 13.1% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased from 9.7% to 8.3%, and the 15-24 age group fell from 11.5% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Westcourt's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 28 people, reaching 939 from 731. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 14 people.