Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Cairns City
2 km²
A high-density urban hub, Cairns City is larger than about 86% of similar areas. It is a place of contrast, where a high proportion of older residents and overseas arrivals live in a compact, apartment-heavy setting. The community is notably older than the state and national figures, with very few children. This shift toward an adult population is reflected in the housing, where small apartments and a high number of people living alone are the norm.
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The typical resident is 44, making the area noticeably older than the national figure of 38. It is a place with very few children, as those under 15 make up only 5.4% of the population, far below the national average.
Overseas born residents make up 26.3% of the population, which is much higher than most similar areas. This diversity is reflected in the birthplaces, with England, New Zealand, India and China being common origins.
Many residents use another language at home—16.5%, which is well above the Queensland figure. Despite this, people who speak little or no English make up only 1.7% of the population.
Religious affiliation is lower than usual here, with 29.3% of people reporting no religion. This is far below the state figure of 41.2%.
While 19.5% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, Year 12 completion is far below the national figure at 41.2%. The area is well-served by schools, with 13 within 3 km.
Personal incomes are a little above the national figure, with the typical person earning $907 a week. Typical family incomes are also higher than most areas at $2,162 weekly.
Residents here are healthier than most, with long-term health conditions affecting only 16.7% of people, far below the national figure of 27.7%. Mental health conditions are also much lower than usual at 4.1%.
Participation in unpaid work is among the lowest at this level, with only 5.4% of people providing unpaid care and 9.8% volunteering, both well below the national average.
First Nations people in this area are far older than the national average, with a typical age of 37. A high proportion—25.4%—speak a First Nations language, though the unemployment rate is far above the national figure at 28.6%.
Living arrangements are small and solitary, with 39.1% of people living alone, far above the national figure. This is consistent with the low number of children, resulting in just 1.9 people per home.
Apartments dominate the landscape, making up 80.6% of homes. Renting is far more common than in most areas at 48.6%, with typical weekly rents a little above the national figure at $413.
Public transport is highly accessible, with 16.7% of homes having no motor vehicle—far above the national figure. This is supported by a very high number of weekly bus departures.
The population is quite mobile, with 40.3% moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are far above the national average at 30.4%.
Most people work in accommodation and food services or health care. While full-time employment is slightly above the national figure, the unemployment rate is a little above the national average at 8.0%.
Cairns City is a walker's paradise with a score of 9.2. Almost every home is within a 15-minute walk of groceries, health services, parks and public transport.