Mooroobool

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

7,136
Population (2021)
$77,740
Median Household Income
4.60 km²
Area
$330/wk
Median Rent
TropicalAffordableFamily-FriendlyCultural HubSuburban

About Mooroobool

Mooroobool is a western suburb of Cairns in Far North Queensland, situated just 5.5 kilometres from the Cairns CBD. With a population of around 7,100 residents, it is a well-established residential area set against the backdrop of the tropical rainforest-clad Lamb Range. The suburb has a diverse community and offers an affordable alternative to nearby coastal suburbs while maintaining easy access to the city centre.

Mooroobool is home to the Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct and the Tanks Arts Centre, making it a cultural hub within the Cairns region. The suburb features a range of local shops, schools including Mooroobool State School, and is adjacent to the Cairns TAFE campus. It appeals to families and workers seeking convenient, affordable living with a relaxed tropical lifestyle close to both the CBD and the natural beauty of the Atherton Tablelands.

Mooroobool 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
Manunda - Portsmith
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.73°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
4.60 km²
Elevation
26m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$330
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.3%

112 state housing + 24 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 1A/1B — Cairns City via Manoora 15 mins
  • 2A/2B — Cairns City via Westcourt 12 mins
  • 7 — Earlville Shopping Centre 8 mins

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
5.5 km
By Bus
12-15 mins
By Car (Peak)
10-15 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
8-10 mins

🛣️ No rail service in Cairns metro area; bus and car are the main commute options

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Local shops and schools accessible on foot, but most errands require a car due to suburban layout

🛒 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 Mooroobool. 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
7,222
Census 2021
7,136
1.2% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,060
Personal Income 2021
$38,168
12.1% 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
$38,168 / yr
$734/wk
Household
$77,740 / yr
$1495/wk
Family
$92,196 / yr
$1773/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,874
Born Overseas 1,770

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 190
  • 2. New Zealand 183
  • 3. Philippines 135
  • 4. Nepal 123
  • 5. Japan 122
  • 6. Papua New Guinea 109
  • 7. China 55
  • 8. Germany 54
  • 9. Italy 43
  • 10. India 42

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,086
Australian 1,960
Irish 652
Australian Aboriginal 582
Scottish 582
Italian 396
German 337
Chinese 219
Filipino 209
Dutch 88

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,494
Both parents born in Australia
2,288
Both parents born overseas
849
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.5%
No Religion
36.4%
Hinduism
3.6%
Buddhism
2.9%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
377 (5.3%)
5-14 years
964 (13.5%)
15-19 years
485 (6.8%)
20-24 years
380 (5.3%)
25-34 years
791 (11.1%)
35-44 years
911 (12.8%)
45-54 years
1,010 (14.2%)
55-64 years
975 (13.7%)
65-74 years
725 (10.2%)
75-84 years
350 (4.9%)
85+ years
172 (2.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mooroobool known for? +

Mooroobool is a western suburb of Cairns in Far North Queensland, situated just 5.5 kilometres from the Cairns CBD. With a population of around 7,100 residents, it is a well-established residential area set against the backdrop of the tropical rainforest-clad Lamb Range.

How far is Mooroobool from Brisbane CBD? +

Mooroobool is approximately 5.5 km from Cairns CBD. By car, the journey takes around 8-10 mins off-peak and 10-15 mins during peak hours.

Does Mooroobool have public transport? +

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

What is the population of Mooroobool? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mooroobool has a population of approximately 7,136 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Cairns (Regional Council).

Is Mooroobool a good place to live? +

Mooroobool offers affordable housing options and practical suburban living, making it a good choice for first home buyers, families, and those on a budget who still want access to regional amenities.

What is the postcode for Mooroobool? +

The postcode for Mooroobool, QLD is 4870.

What is the average income in Mooroobool? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Mooroobool is about $734 per week (around $38,200 per year). The median household income is $1,495 per week and the median family income is $1,773 per week.

What is the age profile of Mooroobool? +

The median age in Mooroobool is 41. The largest age group is 45–54 (1,010 residents, around 14%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Mooroobool a safe area? +

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

In Mooroobool, the median weekly rent is $330, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).