Arriga

QLD 4880 • Rest of QLD

1,323
Population (2021)
$112,632
Median Household Income
155.72 km²
Area
$266/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalAtherton TablelandsAffordableFarming Community

About Arriga

Arriga is a small rural locality in the Shire of Mareeba on Queensland's Atherton Tablelands, situated approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Cairns. With a population of around 1,323, this agricultural community sits at an elevation of 500 metres, enjoying a cooler tropical climate than the coastal lowlands. The area covers approximately 156 square kilometres of fertile farmland, supporting a variety of agricultural pursuits.

Life in Arriga centres on agriculture, with the region known for sugar cane, tropical fruits, and cattle farming. The community enjoys the natural beauty of the Atherton Tablelands, including nearby waterfalls, rainforests, and volcanic crater lakes. Residents value the peaceful rural lifestyle while maintaining reasonable access to Mareeba and Cairns for services. The area attracts farmers, retirees, and those seeking affordable acreage living in Far North Queensland.

Arriga falls under postcode 4880 and is governed by Mareeba Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4880
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.07°, 145.28°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
155.72 km²
Elevation
500m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$266
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,482
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
33 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Trans North — Cairns via Mareeba 1.5 hours

Commute to Cairns

Distance
60 km
By Bus
1.5 hours
By Car (Peak)
55 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50 min

🛣️ Limited public transport. Most residents rely on private vehicles. Mareeba (15km) is the nearest service centre.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Rural locality with no footpaths or local shops. Private vehicle required for all travel.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Mareeba Local Government Area, which contains Arriga. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,476.6 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
514.2 / 100k
Non-FV assault
2,719.3 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
8.2 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
271.5 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,079
Census 2021
1,323
22.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$40,248
Personal Income 2021
$48,048
19.4% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$48,048 / yr
$924/wk
Household
$112,632 / yr
$2166/wk
Family
$123,448 / yr
$2374/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,201
Born Overseas 87

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 16
  • 2. Papua New Guinea 9
  • 3. England 6
  • 4. Italy 6
  • 5. China 5
  • 6. India 5
  • 7. Germany 4
  • 8. South Africa 4
  • 9. Taiwan 4
  • 10. France 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 56
English 43
Italian 41
Irish 15
German 8
Greek 7
Scottish 5
Dutch 4

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

86
Both parents born in Australia
52
Both parents born overseas
17
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
7.2%
No Religion
4.1%
Islam
0.5%
Buddhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
6 (0.5%)
5-14 years
19 (1.4%)
15-19 years
56 (4.2%)
20-24 years
169 (12.8%)
25-34 years
449 (33.9%)
35-44 years
310 (23.4%)
45-54 years
205 (15.5%)
55-64 years
69 (5.2%)
65-74 years
25 (1.9%)
75-84 years
11 (0.8%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arriga known for? +

Arriga is a small rural locality in the Shire of Mareeba on Queensland's Atherton Tablelands, situated approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Cairns. With a population of around 1,323, this agricultural community sits at an elevation of 500 metres, enjoying a cooler tropical climate than the coastal lowlands.

How far is Arriga from Brisbane CBD? +

Arriga is approximately 60 km from Cairns. By car, the journey takes around 50 min off-peak and 55 min during peak hours.

Does Arriga have public transport? +

Arriga is served by bus routes connecting to Cairns via Mareeba, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Arriga? +

According to the 2021 Census, Arriga has a population of approximately 1,323 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Mareeba (Shire).

Is Arriga a good place to live? +

Arriga suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Arriga? +

The postcode for Arriga, QLD is 4880.

What is the average income in Arriga? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Arriga is about $924 per week (around $48,000 per year). The median household income is $2,166 per week and the median family income is $2,374 per week.

What is the age profile of Arriga? +

The median age in Arriga is 33. The largest age group is 25–34 (449 residents, around 34%). Around 6% of residents are under 20 and about 3% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Arriga a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Arriga is part of the Mareeba LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Arriga? +

In Arriga, the median weekly rent is $266, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,482 (2021 Census).