🔍

Whitfield

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

4,262
Population (2021)
$87,412
Median Household Income
5.96 km²
Area
$340/wk
Median Rent
LeafyFamily-FriendlyEstablishedQuietSuburban

About Whitfield

Whitfield is a quiet, leafy residential suburb situated on the edge of the Cairns highlands, approximately 5 kilometres west of Cairns CBD within the Cairns Regional Council area. With a population of 4,262 and a median age of 45, the suburb is home to a mix of established families, retirees, and professionals who value its elevated position and proximity to the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest. The community reflects the diverse character of Far North Queensland, with a notable Indigenous population and residents from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Whitfield benefits from an enviable natural setting, with walking trails into the surrounding rainforest and easy access to the Cairns Botanic Gardens located nearby. The suburb is largely residential in character with local parks and schools, while Cairns city centre — with its full range of shopping, dining, healthcare, and entertainment — is a short drive away. The area's relaxed tropical lifestyle, leafy streets, and green surrounds make Whitfield a popular choice for those who want to live close to the conveniences of Cairns without sacrificing the natural beauty and tranquillity of Far North Queensland.

Whitfield 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
Manunda - Portsmith
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cairns
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.90°, 145.73°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
5.96 km²
Elevation
40m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$340
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
45 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Sunbus Cairns Routes — Cairns CBD 15-20 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
5 km
By Train
No commuter train service
By Car (Peak)
10-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8-12 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport; Sunbus routes connect to Cairns CBD

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car; the suburb is primarily residential with limited local retail and services

🛒 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 Whitfield. 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
4,275
Census 2021
4,262
▼ 0.3% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$38,376
Personal Income 2021
$46,124
▲ 20.2% 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
$46,124 / yr
$887/wk
Household
$87,412 / yr
$1681/wk
Family
$116,324 / yr
$2237/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,112
Born Overseas 947

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 191
  • 2. New Zealand 112
  • 3. Japan 56
  • 4. Philippines 47
  • 5. India 44
  • 6. Scotland 39
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 37
  • 8. Germany 29
  • 9. South Africa 29
  • 10. China 24

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,690
Australian 1,359
Irish 559
Scottish 469
German 251
Italian 225
Australian Aboriginal 200
Dutch 94
Chinese 91
Filipino 58

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,299
Both parents born in Australia
1,124
Both parents born overseas
629
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.9%
Christianity
43.4%
Buddhism
1.6%
Islam
0.8%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
154 (3.6%)
5-14 years
555 (13.0%)
15-19 years
243 (5.7%)
20-24 years
141 (3.3%)
25-34 years
496 (11.6%)
35-44 years
516 (12.1%)
45-54 years
694 (16.3%)
55-64 years
552 (13.0%)
65-74 years
444 (10.4%)
75-84 years
284 (6.7%)
85+ years
176 (4.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whitfield known for? +

Whitfield is known as one of Cairns's most desirable residential suburbs, set on the edge of the highland rainforest. The suburb is prized for its elevated position, leafy streets, proximity to walking trails, and relaxed family atmosphere.

How far is Whitfield from Cairns CBD? +

Whitfield is approximately 5 kilometres south-west of Cairns CBD. The drive into the city centre takes around 10-15 minutes, making it a convenient yet leafy residential option.

Does Whitfield have public transport? +

Whitfield is served by Sunbus routes connecting it to Cairns city centre and other northern suburbs. There is no rail service. A private vehicle is recommended for broader travel around the Cairns region.

What is the population of Whitfield? +

According to the 2021 Census, Whitfield has a population of approximately 4,262 residents, reflecting an established residential community popular with families and professionals in Cairns.

Is Whitfield a good place to live? +

Whitfield is consistently rated one of Cairns's best suburbs, offering the rare combination of rainforest access, elevated breezy living, quiet streets, and proximity to the city. It is particularly popular with families and professionals working in Cairns.

What is the postcode for Whitfield? +

The postcode for Whitfield, Queensland is 4870.

What is the average income in Whitfield? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Whitfield is about $887 per week (around $46,100 per year). The median household income is $1,681 per week and the median family income is $2,237 per week.

What is the age profile of Whitfield? +

The median age in Whitfield is 45. The largest age group is 45–54 (694 residents, around 16%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 21% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Whitfield a safe area? +

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

In Whitfield, the median weekly rent is $340, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).