Cairns

The population of Cairns SA4 in 2021 was 257,149. Forecast to grow by 65,563, the population is set to reach 322,712 persons by 2046, accounting for 3.2% of Queensland's population growth over the forecast period.

• The number of dwellings in Cairns SA4 is forecast to grow from 115,389 in 2021 to 143,771 in 2046, an additional 28,382 dwellings.
• Gordonvale - Trinity SA2 (13,169), Edmonton SA2 (8,568), and Trinity Beach - Smithfield SA2 (6,842) are forecast to contribute the largest share of population growth combined, accounting for 43.6% of Cairn's SA4's total population growth to 2046, or 20.1%, 13.1% and 10.4% respectively.
• The majority of the region's dwelling growth is attributed also to Gordonvale - Trinity SA2 (5,186), Edmonton SA2 (3,014), and Trinity Beach - Smithfield SA2 (2,819), with a combined contribution of 38.8% or 18.3%, 10.6%, and 9.9% respectively.
• No SA2s of significant population are forecast to decline in population over the forecast period, with the smallest growth forecast in Brinsmead SA2 (157 persons).

Read on below for charts, maps and tables sharing the forecast results at SA2 geography. 

Located in Far North Queensland, the Cairns SA4 region is made up of 33 SA2s, and is situated about 1700km from Brisbane CBD and 350km from Townsville CBD. Characterised by its tropical climate, Cairns is enjoying an increasingly diversifying economy, attracting a large range of demographics.

Historically, Cairns has played an immense role in Queensland's tourism sector, attracting both Australian and international tourists, especially those from Japan, to it's balmy, tropical shores. However, as its economy continues to diversify, an increasing number of Australian and international migrants are settling in Cairns for the long-term. The most northern point of the SA4 lies Daintree SA2, home to the world's oldest rainforest. Mossman is it's closest population hub, expected to experience notable population growth of just under 1000 people over the forecast period. South, in the skinny neck of the SA4, lies Port Douglas, a famous tourist destination. The thick of the region is centred around Cairns CBD, a fast growing hub with abundant land supply which trails south towards Mount Peter. Gordonvale - Trinity SA2 is the regions fastest growing area, home to the large Mount Peter estate along with various other growth areas. Cairns SA4 is forecast to experience the most growth in its number of young families and people over the age of 70 over the forecast period.

In terms of transport, the region benefits from a passenger bus service which connects a large proportion Cairn's population, reaching from Palm Cove to as south as Gordonvale. West of Cairns and rural suburbs must rely on private transportation.

The following forecast information presents the numbers for the Queensland - Cairns SA4 region

Learn more about the different options to access these forecasts for Local Government Areas (LGAs), suburbs, custom catchments or the entire state or nation here.

We set the context for our local area forecasts with a presentation of our state- and regional-level forecasts for Queensland.

Access the presentation slides (including our forecast data for each region), and a short recap or the full webinar presentation on-demand. Learn what's driving change and how much growth will go to each region of the state over the 25 years to 2046.

The population forecast for Queensland