Suburb profile · Rest of Qld
White Rock (Cairns - Qld) has an estimated 5,278 residents, up 7.3% since the 2021 Census, with 79 projects tracked in the area around White Rock (Cairns - Qld).
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Order a reportDraw your own catchment
You are viewing the free Snapshot. Dashboard puts rankings, rents, projects and services on one screen, and Full adds every chapter with charts and maps. Dashboard and Full are included with AreaSearch Operator and Pro, or unlocked by the area's Area Expert. You need to log in to open them.
The suburb of White Rock (Cairns - Qld) lies 1,382 kilometres northwest of the Brisbane CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at around 5,278 as of Aug 2026, a figure drawn from aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released each year and national address file data updated quarterly. This represents an increase of 360 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,918 people. Employment is anchored by a notable retail trade base, alongside elevated administrative roles and a pronounced presence of hospitality work. The area includes a substantial proportion of children aged 0 to 4, and it offers strong service amenity and affordable housing options.
Residents of the suburb of White Rock (Cairns - Qld) include a high proportion of children, and income levels fall in the lower quartile. Latest population estimate date: Aug 2026.
Free with an AreaSearch account. Pro is not needed.Free. Built in your browser.
01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
The suburb of White Rock (Cairns - Qld) lies 1,382 kilometres northwest of the Brisbane CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at around 5,278 as of Aug 2026, a figure drawn from aggregated SA2-level ERP counts released each year and national address file data updated quarterly. This represents an increase of 360 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,918 people. Employment is anchored by a notable retail trade base, alongside elevated administrative roles and a pronounced presence of hospitality work. The area includes a substantial proportion of children aged 0 to 4, and it offers strong service amenity and affordable housing options.
Residents of the suburb of White Rock (Cairns - Qld) include a high proportion of children, and income levels fall in the lower quartile. Latest population estimate date: Aug 2026.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 3,985 in 2006 and 5,198 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 5,278 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 14%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 36.4%.
White Rock (Cairns - Qld) ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 79th for amenities.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in White Rock (Cairns - Qld) is $565 a week, for the 12 months to Jun 2026 and 16% below Regional Qld.
16% below Regional Qld on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $366 in 2017, $627 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $259 in 2017, $437 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
The change over 12 months, by dwelling type, is charted in Full.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $565 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, houses | $627 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $437 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Cairns - South | $573 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Cairns | $591 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent, Regional Qld | $670 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, QLD | $672 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 7 tracked applications: 0 approved, 0 under assessment, 7 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around White Rock (Cairns - Qld), then export the list.
The map builder can plot
AreaSearch tracks 79 projects in and around White Rock (Cairns - Qld), 17 of them under construction.
Cairns Regional Council is progressing a community and multicultural centre at Tiffany Street, White Rock to provide social facilities, outreach services and inclusive meeting space for White Rock and Cairns multicultural communities.
Kowinka Village is a recently completed ground-floor commercial complex on the corner of Kowinka Street and Skull Road in White Rock. The project provides retail, office, medical, food and beverage and service business tenancies from 73 to 262 sqm on a 3000 sqm site, with 33 onsite customer parking spaces, high visibility from the Bruce Highway, fit-out…
Long-term upgrade program for the Bruce Highway between Wrights Creek and Draper Street in Cairns. Stage 1 (Sheehy Road to Kate Street, $150M) completed 2014; Stage 2 (Robert Road to Foster Road, $58M) completed 2017; Stage 4 (Kate Street to Aumuller Street) completed 2021; Stage 3 (Edmonton to Gordonvale) completed December 2023.
A 13.9 hectare mixed-use master planned development at the southern gateway to Cairns, now marketed as Cairns Gateway Estate. The site sits at the intersection of the Bruce Highway A1 and Riverstone Road (Gillies Highway), with 474m of highway frontage.
Essential maintenance and refurbishment of 2.7km of 275kV underground high voltage transmission cables installed in 1997. The project addresses critical infrastructure risks through the removal of approximately 400 high-risk trees and the refurbishment of cable joint bays.
Queensland's largest social and affordable housing precinct is currently under construction at a former drive-in site in Woree, delivering 490 modern, energy-efficient apartments for seniors over 55 and people living with disability.
Remediation of the Bayview Heights water reservoir in Cairns, part of a package to extend the service life of nine reservoirs across the region. The reservoir was taken offline in mid-2024 after deterioration to its concrete roof was found, and a re-lining attempt failed.
Development of a 24-hour service station and convenience store on a 3,761 sqm site at the former Woree drive-in theatre. The project includes fuel dispensers under a canopy, a retail building featuring a food and drink outlet, and two mixed-use tenancies.
A new off-road cycleway next to the Bruce Highway providing a safer, direct active transport link for bike riders and pedestrians between Cairns southern suburbs and the city. The section from Bana Gindarja Creek in Edmonton to Caleb Shang Bridge in White Rock is open, giving a 16 km uninterrupted cycleway through to Riverstone Road in Gordonvale.
Remediation works are underway across nine Cairns Regional Council reservoirs at eight sites: Mayer Street, Panguna, Bayview Large, Barron View, Runnymede, Brinsmead, Dempsey Street A and B, and Crest Close.
The Outlook is a premier master-planned residential community in Bentley Park, Cairns. The estate offers large, elevated lots ranging from 826m2 to 1117m2, bordered by World Heritage rainforest and providing panoramic views of the local mountain ranges.
Grade separation and intersection upgrade at Bruce Highway and Foster Road in Cairns, forming Stage 5 of the Cairns Southern Access Corridor. Jointly funded by the Australian Government ($180 million) and Queensland Government ($45 million) on an 80:20 basis, totalling $225 million.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 44 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 1, 2026 12, 2027 11, 2028 5, 2029 4, 2030 3, 2031 5, 2032 1, 2033 1, 2034 0, 2035 1. 11 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 7 substantial development applications lodged in and around White Rock (Cairns - Qld) over the past 5 years, 3 in the last 12 months. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2022 (part year) 1, 2023 1, 2024 0, 2025 3, 2026 (to Oct) 2.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 7 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 3 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 6.8 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 74th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 34 | ABS building approvals | 46th percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of White Rock include: Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre (Planning); Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct (Construction); Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade (Planning); Kowinka Village - Retail, Office and Medical Complex (Completed); and Bayview Heights to White Rock Underground Cable Project (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of White Rock spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Environmental & Disaster Management, and Residential Development, among others.
The suburb of White Rock ranks in the top 10% nationally for infrastructure development, reflecting exceptional investment activity compared to similar areas across the country.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is slightly higher than average within White Rock when compared nationally.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of White Rock area has seen 73 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of White Rock's current population of 5,278 has been supported by 34 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of White Rock has seen 6.8 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 6.3 approvals in Regional Qld. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 141 people in the suburb of White Rock, compared to one for every 152 in Regional Qld.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of White Rock's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 34, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of White Rock has grown by approximately 266 people, while 170 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 1.6 people added for each new dwelling approval. This suggests a balanced relationship between population growth and housing supply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in White Rock are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,278 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +7.3% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 554 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 4,918 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 360 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 9.53 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of White Rock was estimated to be approximately 5,278 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 5,198 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of white rock has added approximately 360 people and shown a 7.32% increase from the 4,918 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of White Rock is estimated at 554 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of White Rock has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.7% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of White Rock is driven by: Overseas migration (52.0%), Natural increase (31.0%), Interstate migration (17.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 52.0% of overall population gains.
White Rock's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 37 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 36th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 15.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 20.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 26.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 49.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 37 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 7.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 13.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 13.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 13.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 14.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 12.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 10.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 0.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of White Rock at 37 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 37 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 37 years as at August 2026, White Rock is 4 years younger than the Regional Qld 2021 Census average (41 years) and comparable to the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of White Rock compared to the Regional Qld region is the 0 - 4 group, making up 7.3% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of White Rock compared to the Regional Qld region is the 65 - 74 group, making up 8.7% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of White Rock show significant variance compared to Regional Qld. The most over-represented age group is 0-4 year-olds (7.3% vs 5.3%). The most under-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (0.9% vs 2.3%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 20.8% of the population in the suburb of White Rock as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 15.9% of the population in the suburb of White Rock as at August 2026.
Income figures position the area below 80% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $52,666 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $62,069 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,396 | 2021 Census, weekly | 28th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $694 | 2021 Census, weekly | 27th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 9.9% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,588 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 26.5% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of White Rock is approximately $56,411. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $52,666.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of White Rock is approximately $66,482. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $62,069.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of White Rock is approximately $56,411 compared to $60,755 in Regional Qld. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $52,666 and $56,722 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of White Rock is approximately $66,482 compared to $76,631 in Regional Qld. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $62,069 and $71,544 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of White Rock's households (~36.4% / 611 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of White Rock is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 36.4% of households. In comparison, Regional Qld's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 31.7% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of White Rock is $1,396/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of White Rock is $1,588/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of White Rock is $694/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the suburb of White Rock is below the national average, with the median assessed at $52,666 while the average income stands at $62,069. This contrasts to Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $56,722 and an average income of $71,544. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.11% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $56,411 (median) and $66,482 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of White Rock is $4,984 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of white rock's disposable income is $4,984 compared to $5,480 for Regional Qld, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in White Rock face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 9% of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 8.5% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 61.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 2,319 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 4,327 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 2,535 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of White Rock has approximately 2,319 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 8.5%. The elevated unemployment rate suggests challenging labour market conditions. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of White Rock stands at 8.5%, which is 4.6 percentage points above Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of White Rock is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (16.6% of employment), retail trade (12.6%), and accommodation & food (10.6%). Other significant employers include construction and education & training.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of White Rock has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of White Rock is 61.3%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Regional Qld average of 64.2%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Regional Qld.
The suburb of white rock shows notable specialisation in retail trade, which employs 12.6% of the local workforce compared to 10.0% across Regional Qld. This moderate specialisation indicates some local strength in the sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of white rock's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 0.8% decline, ranking 23rd out of 37 regions nationally.
Education in White Rock (Cairns - Qld): university qualifications 13.8%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 966.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 10.4% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 13.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 33.4% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.5% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 42.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 33.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 3.1% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 13.1% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 90th percentile nationally |
13.8% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of White Rock have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in Regional Qld.
42.2% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of White Rock have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.2% in Regional Qld.
The suburb of white rock ranks in the 33th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of White Rock are: Certificate (33.4%), Advanced Diploma (10.5%), Bachelor Degree (10.4%).
33.2% of the population in the suburb of White Rock is currently engaged in formal education, including 13.1% in primary school, 10.1% in secondary school, 3.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of White Rock is 966, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 2 schools within the suburb of White Rock, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,656 students.
The suburb of white rock includes 1 primary school, 1 combined school.
White Rock features high concentrations of single parent families and group households but relatively few couples with children, with a larger average household size than Regional Qld.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.6 people | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 27.1% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 24.6% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 25.2% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 16.8% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 4.0% | 2021 Census | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 1,678 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 1,801 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 68.8% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.8 per family | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of White Rock had 1,678 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 7.3% to an estimated 1,801 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of White Rock is 2.6 people. This compares to 2.5 in Regional Qld and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 68.8% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (27.1%), group households (4.0%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 1,154 family households, couples with children account for 24.6% of all households, couples without children at home 25.2%, and single parent families 16.8%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional Qld, the suburb of White Rock shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of White Rock have an average of 1.8 children, slightly above the Regional Qld average of 1.7. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 34.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 44.7% have never married. This compares to 45.1% married and 35.6% never married across Regional Qld.
Single-person households represent 27.1% of all households in the suburb of White Rock, similar to the average for Regional Qld of 25.6%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 4.0% of households, in line with the Regional Qld average of 4.0%.
In terms of cultural diversity, White Rock records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 19.7% | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 15.2% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 84.8% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 82.7% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 80.3% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 10.2% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
White Rock was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 19.7% of its population born overseas and 15.2% speaking a language other than English at home.
The main religion in White Rock was found to be Christianity, which makes up 51.6% of people in White Rock. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.0% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in White Rock are Australian, comprising 23.0% of the population, English, comprising 22.3% of the population, which is notably lower than Regional Qld's 29.6%, and Other, comprising 15.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than Regional Qld's 6.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 10.2% of White Rock (vs 3.9% across Regional Qld), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 0.9%) and Samoan at 0.5% (vs 0.2%).
19.7% of the suburb of White Rock population was born overseas, compared to 19.8% across Regional Qld.
15.2% of the population in the suburb of White Rock speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 9.6% in Regional Qld.
10.2% of the suburb of White Rock population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 3.9% in Regional Qld.
82.7% of the suburb of White Rock population holds citizenship, compared to 84.9% in Regional Qld.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
White Rock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional Qld.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 38.2% | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 24.4% | 2021 Census | 24th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 74.2% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,343 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 37.4% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 13.9% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $340 | 2021 Census, weekly | 38th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 24.4% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 79th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 22.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 33rd percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of White Rock, 24.4% of homes are owned outright, 37.4% are owned with a mortgage, and 38.2% are rented.
According to the latest data, 74.2% of dwellings in the suburb of White Rock are houses.
In the suburb of White Rock, 10.0% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 13.9% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of White Rock stands at 24.4%, compared to 33.4% in Regional Qld.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of White Rock is $1,343, compared to $1,655 in Regional Qld.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of White Rock is $1,065, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of White Rock, households with mortgages typically spend 22.2% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 24.4% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of White Rock is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of White Rock shows mortgage holders spending 22.2% of income on repayments (vs 25.3% in Regional Qld), while renters spend 24.4% of income on rent (vs 22.9% in Regional Qld).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of White Rock consists of 74.2% detached houses, 13.9% semi-detached dwellings, 10.0% apartments, and 1.9% other dwelling types.
Housing in White Rock consumes approximately 17.6% of median household income ($6,045 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in White Rock show attached dwellings contributing 0% of approvals compared to 26% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 100% of applications versus 74% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Housing density growth is around the national average.
Health performance in White Rock is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 49.9% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 28th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 68.2% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 7.6% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 76.2% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
Around 49.9% of people in the suburb of White Rock are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 53.3% in Regional Qld.
In the suburb of White Rock, 7.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.3% of people in Regional Qld require similar assistance.
7.2% of people in the suburb of White Rock are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.4% of the population across Regional Qld is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.3% of the suburb of White Rock population, while in Regional Qld, 4.2% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.9% of people in the suburb of White Rock have heart disease. Across Regional Qld,4.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of White Rock, 49.9% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional Qld sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 53.3%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 38 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 38th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 18 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 18th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 352 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 20th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 289 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 2 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.3 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 9.7% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 18 public transport stops within the suburb of White Rock.
The suburb of White Rock has 352 weekly trips across 2 routes, averaging 50 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 263 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 548 m away and the nearest school 686 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 18 stops nearby, 352 weekly trips, access rating 38 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 79 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 79th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 548 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 686 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 785 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 991 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest GP | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 4.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 4.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 5.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 7.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 3 long day care centres with 237 places in White Rock (Cairns - Qld), about 1.6 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on White Rock (Cairns - Qld) is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for White Rock (Cairns - Qld).
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity is slightly higher than average within White Rock when compared nationally.
White Rock has exceptionally high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 8% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in White Rock (Cairns - Qld) is $565 a week for the 12 months to Jun 2026.
Population growth drivers in White Rock are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends.
White Rock's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
Income figures position the area below 80% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
Employment conditions in White Rock face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 9% of areas assessed nationally.
Education in White Rock (Cairns - Qld): university qualifications 13.8%, school advantage index (ICSEA) 966.
White Rock features high concentrations of single parent families and group households but relatively few couples with children, with a larger average household size than Regional Qld.
In terms of cultural diversity, White Rock records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
White Rock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than Regional Qld.
Health performance in White Rock is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
White Rock (Cairns - Qld) has an estimated 5,278 residents, up 7.3% since the 2021 Census, with 79 projects tracked in the area around White Rock (Cairns - Qld).
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for White Rock (Cairns - Qld).
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Apr 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
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 a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL33062). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Apr 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for White Rock (Cairns - Qld) from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares White Rock (Cairns - Qld) with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
