Indigenous Region · Area profile

Cairns - Atherton

142,439 km²

Far fewer homes have easy access to daily needs here than in the rest of Queensland, marking Cairns - Atherton as a spread-out region. It is a place with a significant First Nations presence and a young population. While many residents face hurdles with transport and employment, there is a strong connection to traditional languages and a high rate of school completion among First Nations people. The area covers a vast landscape where services are often far apart.

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📍 Cairns - Atherton, Indigenous Region

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First Nations

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First Nations people make up a large part of the community, with 22.1% speaking a traditional language, which is far above the Queensland figure. While unemployment is well above the national rate at 18.2%, Year 12 completion is much higher than in most similar areas and well above the Australian average.

28,466 First Nations people

24 yrs Median age Here 24 yrs Qld 23 yrs Aus 24 yrs

41.4% Year 12 Here 41.4% Qld 43.6% Aus 37.0%

18.2% Unemployment Here 18.2% Qld 13.3% Aus 12.3%

$503 Median income Here $503 Qld $563 Aus $540

$1,338 Household income Here $1,338 Qld $1,517 Aus $1,507

Walkability

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The area is somewhat walkable, though it scores well below the state average. Access to essentials is limited, with far fewer homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries, schools, or health services compared to the Queensland typical experience.

4.0 Walk score

3.9 Types ≤15 min