ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Cairns City is a coastal suburb in Queensland, Australia, with a population of approximately 3,616, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 1389 km from the Brisbane CBD, Cairns City is a coastal area in Queensland. The median household income is $84,604 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Household incomes in Cairns City sit in a comfortable mid-range for the Queensland market. The coastal setting provides a lifestyle factor that underpins property values.
Map shows Cairns City, Queensland, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Cairns City. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Cairns City on My School →Estimated 1 park and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →Coastal lifestyle is a strong draw for Cairns City, supporting both long-term rental demand and holiday letting potential. Seaside suburbs in Queensland consistently attract interstate migration and lifestyle buyers. The median rent of $413/week (ABS 2021) indicates a mid-range rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $1,733/month. The median household income of $84,604/year reflects a solid demographic, supporting sustainable rental demand. With only 2% separate houses, Cairns City has a significant apartment and unit market — typical of inner-city investment corridors.
A buy-and-hold approach in Cairns City could work well with careful property selection and a longer time horizon.
Cairns City can deliver reasonable rental income, though yields are not the primary draw.
Limited buyer depth in Cairns City makes flip strategies higher-risk — consider rental conversion instead.
Run the numbers on a Cairns City property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Cairns City is expected to see moderate price growth in 2026 as the broader Queensland market stabilises. Tenants in Cairns City have options — presenting well-maintained properties is key to minimising vacancy. Investor sentiment is cautiously optimistic — selective opportunities exist for well-researched buyers.
Cairns City is a coastal area in Queensland with a population of 3,616. The median rent is $413/week and the median household income is $84,604/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Cairns City include lifestyle appeal and proximity to the coast. 2% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 1 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Cairns City has a population of approximately 3,616. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Cairns City is approximately 1389 km straight-line distance from the Brisbane CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). As a regional or remote location, travel to the capital is significant — local amenities and employment are important investment considerations.