Cairns North suburb profile
Cairns North is a vibrant suburb located just north of the Cairns CBD in Far North Queensland, offering a tropical lifestyle with urban conveniences. Known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, it attracts tourists and residents alike. The suburb features a mix of residential options, from apartments to traditional Queenslander homes, and is well-served by public transport. Cairns North boasts a range of amenities, including parks, schools, and healthcare facilities, making it a convenient and appealing place to live. Its coastal location and access to natural wonders enhance its allure for those seeking adventure and relaxation.
Cairns North property market performance
Current median dwelling price$572,875Past 3 months
Property growth+13.2%Past 12 months
Cairns North’s property market has experienced robust growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 14.6% and unit values rising by 11.7%. The median house price has reached $716,000, while the median unit price stands at $429,750, indicating strong demand across both property types.
Sales activity has been particularly active in the unit market, with 50 units sold compared to 12 houses over the past year. Properties are moving quickly, with houses spending a median of 29 days on the market and units just 21 days, reflecting a competitive market environment.
The rental market in Cairns North has also seen significant changes, with house rents increasing by 4.8% and unit rents surging by 10.7% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is now $650, while units average $540, highlighting a strong rental demand, particularly for units.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $716K | $430K |
Change in value Past 12 months | 14.6% | 11.7% |
Sold Past 3 months | 12 | 50 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 29 | 21 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $650 | $540 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 4.8% | 10.7% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Cairns North demographics
Cairns North, located in the tropical region of Far North Queensland, is a suburb known for its lush landscapes and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. With a population of 5,334, it offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it an attractive place for both locals and tourists. The median age of 37 suggests a balanced mix of young professionals, families, and retirees who enjoy the area's relaxed lifestyle and outdoor activities.
The suburb's housing market is predominantly rental-based, with 65.3% of properties being rented. This high rental rate indicates a transient population, likely due to the area's appeal to tourists and short-term residents. However, there is also a significant portion of the community that owns their homes outright (16.5%) or with a mortgage (18.3%), reflecting a stable base of long-term residents.
Family dynamics in Cairns North are diverse, with couple families without children making up 46.6% of the family households, followed by couple families with children at 27.5%. One-parent families account for 22.9%, highlighting the suburb's inclusive and varied community structure. The median total household income of $1,402 per week is indicative of the area's moderate cost of living, which, combined with its natural attractions and amenities, makes Cairns North a desirable location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in a tropical setting.
Cairns North infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Cairns North benefits from its proximity to Cairns Hospital, the airport and the Esplanade, with ongoing enhancements to health, tourism and hospitality facilities supporting steady local employment and underpinning rental and buyer demand.[3][6] Continued investment in the broader Cairns tourism economy, including upgrades to waterfront attractions and reef-related infrastructure, is likely to sustain Cairns North’s appeal for short-stay accommodation and unit investors.[7][9]
Local schooling remains a drawcard, with Cairns State High School and Mother of Good Counsel School providing established education options that help attract and retain families in the area.[5] Strong public transport links and walkability to the CBD, foreshore, parks and dining precincts enhance day-to-day amenity, which tends to support both capital values and rental yields, particularly for units and townhouses close to key employment and lifestyle hubs.[3][8]
Cairns North rental market trends
The rental market in Cairns North has shown moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.8% over the past year to $650 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 10.7% to $540 per week. This suburb continues to attract interest due to its appealing lifestyle and proximity to natural attractions, making it a desirable location for both renters and investors.
Suburbs near Cairns North
Some popular suburbs near Cairns North include:
How does Cairns North compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Cairns North’s median house price is 2.7% higher than Parramatta Park’s.
- Median unit prices: Cairns North’s median unit price is 14.6% higher than Manoora’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cairns North have grown 4.8% higher than in Manoora.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Cairns North have grown 9.0% higher than in Edge Hill.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Edge Hill are selling 17.2% faster than in Cairns North.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in Cairns North are selling 19.2% faster than in Cairns City.

