Kuranda

First Nations people make up 12.7% of the population, which is well above the national figure of 3.2%. The community is ageing, with seniors making up 20.6% of residents—a figure well above the Queensland average.

Most residents were born in Australia, though 21.1% were born overseas, which is roughly the same as other similar areas. English, Australian, and Irish are the most common ancestries reported.

English is the primary language for 80.9% of the community. Only 7.5% of people use another language at home, which is far below the national average of 22.3%.

A majority of people here have no religion (51.4%), a figure far above the national average of 38.9%. This trend has grown significantly, rising 17 points since 2011.

About half of residents have completed Year 12, which is well below the national figure. This lower school completion rate is consistent with a typical personal income that is also well below the national average.

Typical weekly household income is $1,352, which is much lower than in most other areas. This has risen by $361 since 2011, though the amount remains well below the national figure.

Long-term health conditions are less common here than in most areas, with 25.1% of people reporting one. Arthritis is the most frequently reported condition at 8.7%.

Volunteering is more common than in most areas, with 17.7% of people pitching in. Additionally, 26.1% of residents do 15 or more hours of unpaid housework weekly, which is well above the state average.

The First Nations community is significant, with 613 people, many of whom speak a traditional language. However, this group faces steep challenges, with an unemployment rate of 28.1%, far above the national figure.

About 25.5% of people live alone, while couples with children make up the largest family group at 48.3%. Household size is 2.5 people, which is about the same as across Australia.

The area is dominated by separate houses (91.2%), and many residents own their homes outright. Weekly rent is $270, which is well below the national figure of $375.

Cars are essential here, as public transport use is very low at 0.7%. However, more people work from home (17.7%) compared to the state average.

The population is very stable, with only 30.5% of people moving in the last five years, far below the national average of 40.7%. Recent overseas arrivals are also among the lowest for similar areas.

Working or looking for work is less common here than in most areas, and the unemployment rate of 7.0% is a little above the national figure. Many residents work in health, education, or construction.

The area has a low overall advantage score of 4 out of 10, placing it below about 60% of similar areas. Population growth since 2021 has been slow at 3.4%.

Kuranda is very wet, with average annual rainfall of 2,013mm, which is far above the Queensland average. It also maintains high minimum temperatures year-round.

The area is highly car-dependent with a walkability score of 1.1. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of a school, health service, or grocery store.