Why is the population growing?
Cairns is growing, with a forecast to nearly double from 150,920 residents in 2023 to 265K by 2050. Like many Australian cities, the population is growing due to three main factors:
Migration: People are moving from rural areas and overseas to cities, attracted by better jobs and living conditions.
Natural Increase: The gap between births and deaths is widening due to medical advancements, leading to longer lifespans.
As Cairns grows, the characteristics of the people who live in the city will also change. The growth and change in the population mean our city will need to provide different homes, infrastructure and services to meet the needs of everyone.