White Rock (Cairns - Qld)

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of White Rock (Cairns - Qld) is around 5,226. This reflects an increase of 308 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,918. The change was inferred from the resident population of 5,180 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 548 persons per square kilometer. White Rock's growth rate of 6.3% since the census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 1,324 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 24.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows White Rock recorded approximately 24 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 120 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.3 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating steady demand supporting property values. New homes were approved at an average construction cost value of $403,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $635,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly focused on residential development. Comparatively, White Rock has seen 35.0% more development per person than the rest of Queensland over the past five years, maintaining buyer choices while sustaining demand. Recent periods show a moderation in development activity. New developments consist of 52.0% detached dwellings and 48.0% medium to high-density housing, expanding affordable options from traditional family housing to compact alternatives.

This shift reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. By 2041, White Rock is forecasted to gain 1,278 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre, Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade, and Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1) Project. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates White Rock faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

White Rock's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 6.4%.

The area has 2,403 residents in work, an unemployment rate of 9.4% (3.9% above Rest of Qld's), and workforce participation at 56.9%, slightly below Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5%, employment fell by 3.1%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment, compared to Rest of Qld's growth and minimal unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to White Rock's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows White Rock's median income among taxpayers is $46,521. The average income in White Rock during this period was $53,673. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for White Rock would be approximately $53,029 (median) and $61,182 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in White Rock rank modestly, between the 27th and 28th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 36.4% of locals (1,902 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in White Rock, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile.

White Rock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

White Rock's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.2% houses and 25.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in White Rock was 24.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.4% and rented ones at 38.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,343, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in White Rock was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, White Rock's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.1% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.9%, consisting of 27.1% lone person households and 4.0% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in White Rock fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (33.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education. The area has educational provision including Trinity Anglican School and White Rock State School, serving a total of 1,656 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (31.7 places per 100 residents vs 22.4 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 18 active transport stops in White Rock, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two routes, offering 352 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 263 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in White Rock is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

White Rock faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups but slightly higher among older cohorts. Approximately 48% (~2,533 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 7.8% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 68.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across the rest of Queensland. As of the latest data (2021), 16.5% (~862 people) of residents are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in White Rock was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

White Rock's cultural diversity was above average, with 19.7% of its population born overseas and 15.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in White Rock, making up 51.6% of people. Judaism comprised 0.1% of White Rock's population, which was similar to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three represented ancestry groups were Australian (23.0%), English (22.3%), and Other (15.4%). Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 10.2%, compared to the regional average of 6.7%. New Zealanders comprised 1.2% of White Rock's population versus the regional average of 0.8%, and Samoans made up 0.5% versus the regional average of 0.3%.

White Rock's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

White Rock's median age is 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, White Rock has a notably higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (14.4%) and a lower proportion of 55-64 year-olds (10.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 13.1% to 14.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 9.9% to 9.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests White Rock's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 333 residents to reach a total of 1,086. The 5 to 14 group is expected to grow by 5%, adding only 34 residents.