Urban Centre · Area profile
Airlie Beach - Cannonvale
20 km²
Airlie Beach - Cannonvale is one of the largest communities at its level, marked by a young and mobile population. The typical resident is just 37, which is younger than the national figure, and there are far fewer seniors here than in most areas. It is a transient hub where over half the people have moved in the last five years, often arriving from overseas. This creates a dynamic atmosphere where high rental rates and diverse ancestries define the local character.
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The area is notably young, with the typical age dropping 6 years since 2011 to 37. It also has a very high proportion of people in de facto relationships, at 20.3%, which is well above the national figure of 11.5%.
A high number of residents were born overseas, accounting for 22.3% of the population. This figure has risen 4.9 percentage points since 2011, with English and Australian being the most common ancestries.
While English is the main language for 81.8% of people, the proportion using another language at home has risen to 7.9% since 2011. This is much higher than in most similar areas, though still well below the national figure.
A majority of the community has no religion, at 51.1%, which is far above the Australian average of 38.9%. This represents a significant shift, rising 30 percentage points since 2011.
Education levels are higher than most similar areas, with 51.9% of residents completing Year 12. However, the 15.2% with a bachelor degree or higher is far below the national figure.
Typical personal weekly income is $876, which is a little above the national figure and much higher than in most similar areas. High earners are more common here, with 10.1% of people earning $2,000 or more a week.
Residents here are generally healthier than most, with only 21.3% reporting a long-term health condition. This is well below the national figure of 27.7%.
Participation in unpaid work is low; the 7.2% of people providing unpaid care is among the lowest for its level. Similarly, volunteers make up 12.6% of the community, which is a little below the national figure.
The community has a high number of single-person households, at 27.8%, which is well above the Queensland figure. Most families are couples, with 49.2% having children.
Rental properties are very common, with 42.9% of households renting, a figure far above the national average. Detached houses are also far less common here than in the rest of the state, at 59.5%.
Most people rely on cars, with 57.9% driving to work. However, the 2.9% who use public transport to commute is among the highest for its level.
This is a highly mobile area, with 53.8% of residents moving in the last five years. This is far above the national figure, consistent with the 18.5% who arrived recently from overseas.
Working or looking for work is more common here than in most areas, at 67.1%. Many residents work in the tourism sector, with 19.3% employed in accommodation and food services.
While 97.8% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park, the area is mostly car-dependent. This is due to the steep terrain and a total lack of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport.