Population
+32.1% since 2016.
Cairns City, QLD
Cairns City had a population of 3,616 at the 2021 Census (+32.1% since 2016). Median age 44.0. Median weekly household income $1,627. Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. Census 2026 data arrives June 2027.
Cairns City at a glance
What the 2021 Census says, compared with Queensland.
Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Cairns City's population grew by 32.1% to 3,616, faster than Queensland as a whole (+9.6%). With a median age of 44.0, it is older than the QLD average (38.0). Children under 10 make up 3.5% of residents, and people aged 70 and over 13.6%.
49.6% of households rent, a larger share than the QLD average of 33.6%. 31.0% own their home outright. Most homes are flats or apartments (86.7%). The 2021 Census counted 864 households.
The median household earns $1,627 a week, in line with the QLD average of $1,675. Renters pay a median $413 a week, and households with a mortgage repay $1,733 a month.
42.3% of residents were born overseas, more than the QLD average of 24.1%. 26.7% use a language other than English at home. 48.2% report no religion, higher than the QLD average (44.8%).
Key figures
2021 Census, Cairns City beside QLD and Australia.
| Measure | Cairns City | QLD | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,616 | 5,156,138 | 25,422,788 |
| Growth since 2016 | +32.1% | +9.6% | +8.6% |
| Median age | 44.0 | 38.0 | 38.0 |
| Households | 864 | 1,869,462 | 9,275,217 |
| Flats and apartments | 86.7% | 12.5% | 14.3% |
| Renting | 49.6% | 33.6% | 31.1% |
| Owned outright | 31.0% | 29.5% | 31.4% |
| Median household income a week | $1,627 | $1,675 | $1,746 |
| Median rent a week | $413 | $365 | $375 |
| Median mortgage repayment a month | $1,733 | $1,733 | $1,863 |
| Born overseas | 42.3% | 24.1% | 29.3% |
| Other language at home | 26.7% | 14.1% | 23.6% |
| No religion | 48.2% | 44.8% | 41.9% |
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Population and age
Each census since 2011, and the age profile in 2021.
Age
Median age 44.0, against 38.0 for Queensland.
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Cultural background
The largest groups in Cairns City at the 2021 Census.
Ancestry
Languages at home
Country of birth
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Around Cairns City
The places it belongs to, sits beside and contains.
Part of
Nearby
Explore Cairns City in Censible
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