Kanimbla

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

2,827
Population (2021)
$118,040
Median Household Income
3.10 km²
Area
$450/wk
Median Rent
TropicalFamily-FriendlyHillsideNatureEstablished

About Kanimbla

Kanimbla is a residential suburb in the western foothills of Cairns in Far North Queensland, approximately 8 kilometres from the Cairns CBD. With a population of around 2,800, it sits at a modest elevation offering views over the city and Trinity Inlet. The suburb is part of the Cairns Regional Council and features a predominantly owner-occupier demographic with a median income above the regional average.

Kanimbla is a quiet, established neighbourhood popular with families and professionals working in Cairns. The suburb is close to the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Whitfield Conservation Park, providing excellent bushwalking opportunities. Residents access shopping and dining in nearby Westcourt and the Cairns CBD. The tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest make it a desirable base for outdoor enthusiasts.

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

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4870
Urban Area
Cairns - West
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.92°, 145.72°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
3.10 km²
Elevation
43m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$450
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,842
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
39 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Route 5 — Cairns CBD via Whitfield 20 min
  • Route 5A — Cairns CBD 15 min

Commute to Cairns

Distance
8 km
By Train
N/A (no rail)
By Bus
15-20 min
By Car (Peak)
15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10 min

🛣️ Cairns has no commuter rail; bus and car are the main options

Walkability Car-Dependent

Hilly residential streets with limited footpaths; a car is needed for most trips though some bus services operate.

🛒 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 Kanimbla. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,489.3 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
602.7 / 100k
Non-FV assault
2,214 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
53.6 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
529.2 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,670
Census 2021
2,827
5.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,056
Personal Income 2021
$47,632
10.6% 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
$47,632 / yr
$916/wk
Household
$118,040 / yr
$2270/wk
Family
$126,100 / yr
$2425/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,939
Born Overseas 793

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 91
  • 2. England 80
  • 3. New Zealand 74
  • 4. China 53
  • 5. Nepal 51
  • 6. Philippines 47
  • 7. Japan 40
  • 8. South Korea 31
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 24
  • 10. Thailand 23

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 907
Australian 866
Irish 246
Scottish 236
Italian 210
Chinese 129
German 128
Indian 111
Australian Aboriginal 94
Filipino 78

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,308
Both parents born in Australia
1,054
Both parents born overseas
359
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.8%
No Religion
37.1%
Hinduism
5.7%
Buddhism
2.2%
Sikhism
1.1%
Islam
0.6%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
168 (5.9%)
5-14 years
418 (14.8%)
15-19 years
201 (7.1%)
20-24 years
134 (4.7%)
25-34 years
297 (10.5%)
35-44 years
424 (15.0%)
45-54 years
471 (16.7%)
55-64 years
381 (13.5%)
65-74 years
227 (8.0%)
75-84 years
77 (2.7%)
85+ years
28 (1.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kanimbla known for? +

Kanimbla is a residential suburb in the western foothills of Cairns in Far North Queensland, approximately 8 kilometres from the Cairns CBD. With a population of around 2,800, it sits at a modest elevation offering views over the city and Trinity Inlet.

How far is Kanimbla from Brisbane CBD? +

Kanimbla is approximately 8 km from Cairns. By car, the journey takes around 10 min off-peak and 15 min during peak hours.

Does Kanimbla have public transport? +

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

What is the population of Kanimbla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kanimbla has a population of approximately 2,827 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Cairns (Regional Council).

Is Kanimbla a good place to live? +

Kanimbla offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local amenities and services. It suits a range of residents from families to retirees, depending on personal preferences for pace of life and proximity to urban centres.

What is the postcode for Kanimbla? +

The postcode for Kanimbla, QLD is 4870.

What is the average income in Kanimbla? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Kanimbla is about $916 per week (around $47,600 per year). The median household income is $2,270 per week and the median family income is $2,425 per week.

What is the age profile of Kanimbla? +

The median age in Kanimbla is 39. The largest age group is 45–54 (471 residents, around 17%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Kanimbla a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kanimbla 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 Kanimbla? +

In Kanimbla, the median weekly rent is $450, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,842 (2021 Census).