🔍

Cairns North

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

5,334
Population (2021)
$72,904
Median Household Income
2.77 km²
Area
$340/wk
Median Rent
TropicalCoastalMulticulturalCBD-AdjacentLifestyle

About Cairns North

Cairns North is a coastal suburb located 2.4 kilometres northwest of the Cairns CBD in Far North Queensland. With a population of around 5,334, it is a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood that serves as an extension of the city centre. The median age of 37 reflects a mix of young professionals, families, and long-term residents. The suburb has a notably multicultural character with significant Indian, English, New Zealand, and Filipino communities alongside its Australian-born majority.

Cairns North offers a tropical lifestyle with easy access to the Cairns Esplanade, Botanical Gardens, and the Cairns waterfront. Sheridan Street and the northern section of the CBD provide shops, restaurants, and services, while Edge Hill and Whitfield's rainforest walks are nearby. The suburb is popular with healthcare workers (Cairns Hospital is adjacent), hospitality workers, and young professionals. With a thriving arts and dining scene, proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, and an easygoing tropical atmosphere, Cairns North appeals to those seeking an active outdoor lifestyle in a warm climate.

Cairns North falls under postcode 4870 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cairns electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4870
Urban Area
Cairns - City
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cairns
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.91°, 145.76°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
2.77 km²
Elevation
8m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$340
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
37 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.7%

88 state housing + 9 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cairns Station
2.5 km
30 mins

Bus Services

  • 110 — Cairns City to Northern Beaches (Palm Cove) 5 mins to CBD
  • 130 — Cairns to Smithfield/JCU 20 mins
  • 120 — Cairns to Edge Hill/Redlynch 10 mins

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
2.4 km
By Bus
5-10 mins
By Car (Peak)
5-10 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 mins

🛣️ Very close to CBD; most errands are walkable or a short cycle ride

Walkability Very Walkable

Close to CBD, Esplanade, hospital, and shops; flat terrain makes walking and cycling easy

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,489.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.8% 10yr Up 19.6%
Motor vehicle theft
602.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 51.9%
Non-FV assault
2,214 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 207.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
53.6 / 100k
2yr Down 36.0% 10yr Up 49.4%
Steal from vehicle
529.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 39.5%
View all offence categories for Cairns →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,191
Census 2021
5,334
▲ 2.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$37,024
Personal Income 2021
$45,396
▲ 22.6% 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
$45,396 / yr
$873/wk
Household
$72,904 / yr
$1402/wk
Family
$95,576 / yr
$1838/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,680
Born Overseas 1,765

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 195
  • 2. India 192
  • 3. New Zealand 154
  • 4. Philippines 94
  • 5. China 76
  • 6. Japan 75
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 68
  • 8. South Korea 51
  • 9. Germany 50
  • 10. United States 45

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,372
Australian 942
Irish 552
Scottish 410
Australian Aboriginal 284
German 251
Italian 201
Chinese 177
Indian 143
Filipino 122

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,855
Both parents born in Australia
1,998
Both parents born overseas
546
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
40.0%
Christianity
33.1%
Buddhism
2.6%
Sikhism
1.7%
Hinduism
1.6%
Islam
1.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
209 (3.9%)
5-14 years
405 (7.6%)
15-19 years
214 (4.0%)
20-24 years
455 (8.5%)
25-34 years
1,170 (21.9%)
35-44 years
862 (16.2%)
45-54 years
701 (13.1%)
55-64 years
651 (12.2%)
65-74 years
457 (8.6%)
75-84 years
167 (3.1%)
85+ years
49 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cairns North known for? +

Cairns North is a coastal suburb located 2.4 kilometres northwest of the Cairns CBD in Far North Queensland. With a population of around 5,334, it is a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood that serves as an extension of the city centre.

How far is Cairns North from Brisbane CBD? +

Cairns North is approximately 2.4 km from Cairns CBD. By car, the journey takes around 5 mins off-peak and 5-10 mins during peak hours.

Does Cairns North have public transport? +

Cairns North is served by Cairns Station (2.5 km away) on the Queensland Rail — Spirit of Queensland, Kuranda Scenic Railway. Bus services also connect to Cairns City to Northern Beaches (Palm Cove). The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately 5 mins by car.

What is the population of Cairns North? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cairns North has a population of approximately 5,334 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Cairns (Regional Council).

Is Cairns North a good place to live? +

Cairns North is a popular choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle, offering beachside living and a relaxed community atmosphere. It suits retirees, families, and sea-changers looking to escape city life.

What is the postcode for Cairns North? +

The postcode for Cairns North, QLD is 4870.

What is the average income in Cairns North? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Cairns North is about $873 per week (around $45,400 per year). The median household income is $1,402 per week and the median family income is $1,838 per week.

What is the age profile of Cairns North? +

The median age in Cairns North is 37. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,170 residents, around 22%). Around 16% of residents are under 20 and about 13% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Cairns North a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cairns North is part of the Cairns 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 Cairns North? +

In Cairns North, the median weekly rent is $340, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).