Holloways Beach
At 10.6%, Holloways Beach has a notably high vacancy rate, while its 2,398 residents form an older coastal population with a median age of 46, or 6 years above the national comparison. Renting is common at 36.5%, and the average household size is 2.1 people, 0.4 below the national figure. The suburb sits between Machans Beach and Yorkeys Knob, with its beachside setting and car-oriented daily travel shaping demand. Compared with more tightly occupied locations, the vacancy rate creates a softer rental feel, while the 26.1% overseas-born share remains 4.5 percentage points above the national comparison.
Local council: Cairns
Population
2,398
Median Age
46.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,342/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
4
Holloways Beach suits buyers who value established detached and semi-detached housing, with 63.0% of dwellings classed as separate houses and 34.0% semi-detached. Three-bedroom homes are the largest group at 40.9%, followed by two-bedroom homes at 36.5%, so the market is more family-sized than apartment-led. The $1,400 monthly mortgage figure sits alongside mortgage commitments equal to 24.1% of household income, while rent consumes 22.7%, lower than the mortgage share. Compared with smaller-home markets, the dwelling mix provides more space, but buyers should allow for car dependence because 78.5% drive to work.
For Buyers
Holloways Beach suits buyers who value established detached and semi-detached housing, with 63.0% of dwellings classed as separate houses and 34.0% semi-detached. Three-bedroom homes are the largest group at 40.9%, followed by two-bedroom homes at 36.5%, so the market is more family-sized than apartment-led. The $1,400 monthly mortgage figure sits alongside mortgage commitments equal to 24.1% of household income, while rent consumes 22.7%, lower than the mortgage share. Compared with smaller-home markets, the dwelling mix provides more space, but buyers should allow for car dependence because 78.5% drive to work.
For Investors
Holloways Beach has a meaningful renter base at 36.5%, with weekly rent recorded at $305. The 10.6% vacancy rate is high compared with tightly held rental areas, which can extend leasing times and increase the importance of property condition, pricing and tenant appeal. Only 3 development matters were recorded across 12 months, so the visible local pipeline is limited compared with suburbs experiencing heavier construction activity. The renter share supports ongoing demand, but high vacancy can restrain rental growth because tenants have more choice. Investors should assess flood, coastal exposure, insurance and maintenance costs before relying on gross rent alone.
Development Activity
Total DAs
4
Last 12 Months
4
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
—
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Demographics
Holloways Beach has a median age of 46, which is 6 years above the national comparison, supporting its aging-resident profile. The average household contains 2.1 people, 0.4 below the national figure, and couples without children account for 43.2% of families, compared with 30.4% for couples with children. Overseas-born residents make up 26.1%, 4.5 percentage points above the national comparison, while university participation is 26.1%, 4 points below it. English ancestry is recorded for 928 residents, followed by Irish at 346 and Scottish at 308. Compared with nearby younger family-growth areas, this mix points to smaller households and more established residents.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
63.0%
Houses
34.0%
Townhouse
3.1%
Apartment
Tenure
The housing stock is led by separate houses at 63.0%, but the 34.0% semi-detached share is substantial and higher than the 3.1% apartment share. Three-bedroom dwellings account for 40.9% of homes and two-bedroom dwellings for 36.5%, creating a practical mix for couples, small families and downsizers. Tenure is divided between 28.7% owning outright, 34.3% paying a mortgage and 36.5% renting. The mortgage share is lower than the renter share, while mortgage costs equal 24.1% of household income and rent equals 22.7%. Compared with apartment-heavy suburbs, Holloways Beach has more ground-oriented housing, but its vacancy rate of 10.6% indicates softer occupancy.
Mortgage / mo
$1,400
Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (Jun 2026 quarter), QLD RTA bond data. Census 2021 median: $305.
$690
Bond data Jun 2026 quarter · houses $690 · units $520
HH Size
2.1
Personal Income / wk
$788
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
10.6%
Unoccupied
117
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
22.7%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
24.1%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
30.4%
Couples with children
43.2%
Couples, no children
24.7%
Single parent
572
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare is the largest employment industry at 25.7%, with 208 workers, more than double Education at 12.5% and 101 workers. Construction contributes 9.0%, Hospitality 8.4% and Public Administration 7.8%, giving the local workforce a stronger service and community focus than a purely tourism-led economy. Professionals number 247, Community and Personal Service workers 207, and Trades workers 175, while 57.1% of employed residents work full time. The unemployment rate is 6.3% and participation is 61.8%. Weekly personal income is $788 and household income is $1,342, placing households at the 34.1 percentile, lower than a mid-ranked income area. The industry mix supports local services because healthcare and education together represent 38.2% of jobs.
Unemployment
6.3%
Labour Force
1,267
Unemployed
80
Source: ABS Census 2021
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
57.1%
Part-time
36.6%
Participation
61.8%
Employed
1,187
Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021
Occupations
Top Industries
University
26.1%
Postgraduate
5.9%
Born Overseas
26.1%
Dwellings
983
Transport to Work
Daily life in Holloways Beach is strongly car dependent: 78.5% of workers drive, compared with 1.4% using public transport and 2.3% walking or cycling. Working from home is more common at 14.4%, which may soften commuting needs for some households. The suburb covers 5.6 square kilometres at a density of 428.0 people per square kilometre, supporting a lower-intensity coastal setting than denser urban areas. School access should be checked against the exact address, enrolment zone and travel time to nearby schools, since boundaries can cross suburb edges. Safety should also be assessed using current street-level information rather than assumed from the beachside setting. With a median age of 46 and average household size of 2.1, the setting is more suited to established households than high-density urban living.
Drive
78.5%
Public Transport
1.4%
Walk / Cycle
2.3%
Work from Home
14.4%
Growth Outlook
Holloways Beach appears more likely to experience gradual change than a rapid redevelopment cycle. The suburb has 2,398 residents, with 75.6% remaining at the same address and 24.4% moving within the relevant period, indicating a relatively stable base despite the high 10.6% vacancy rate. Just 3 development matters were recorded over 12 months, mainly operational works and dwelling additions rather than a large new housing release. Compared with suburbs carrying a heavier construction pipeline, this points to limited visible development pressure. The older median age of 46, which is 6 years above the national comparison, may support downsizer and established-owner demand, while the 36.5% renter share leaves room for rental turnover.
Population trend: Cairns council area
Holloways Beach sits in the Cairns council area. These are the council area's residents, not Holloways Beach's.
Residents 2025
179,334
Growth, 5 yr average
+1.2%/yr
2020 to 2025
Growth, last year
+1.0%
2024 to 2025
ABS Estimated Resident Population by LGA, 30 June each year; council area, not this suburb
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Holloways Beach compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holloways Beach a good suburb to live in?
Holloways Beach can suit residents seeking a coastal setting, established housing and a quieter household profile. Its median age is 46, 6 years above the national comparison, and 78.5% of workers drive, so it is better suited to people comfortable with car-based travel. The 10.6% vacancy rate may provide more rental choice than tightly held suburbs.
What is the median house price in Holloways Beach?
A current median house price is not provided, so buyers should obtain recent comparable sales for the exact street and dwelling type. The housing mix includes 63.0% separate houses and 34.0% semi-detached homes, with 40.9% of dwellings containing 3 bedrooms. Mortgage costs are recorded at $1,400 monthly and represent 24.1% of household income.
What schools are in Holloways Beach?
School choices should be checked by exact address, enrolment zone and travel time, including government, Catholic and independent options nearby. Holloways Beach has 2,398 residents and 78.5% of workers drive, so car access may be important for school runs. Public transport use is only 1.4%, making route planning worthwhile before choosing a home.
Is Holloways Beach safe?
There is not enough suburb-wide crime information to label Holloways Beach safe or unsafe. Check current Queensland Police information and the exact street before making a decision. The suburb has 2,398 residents and a 24.4% turnover rate, so conditions and neighbour composition can vary. Compared with lower-turnover communities, local street checks are particularly useful.
Is Holloways Beach good for property investment?
Holloways Beach has a substantial renter base at 36.5% and weekly rent of $305, which can support tenant demand. However, the 10.6% vacancy rate is high compared with tightly held markets and may increase leasing competition. Only 3 development matters were recorded in 12 months, but investors should still check insurance, coastal exposure, maintenance and the purchase price before calculating yield.
How is Holloways Beach's population changing?
The resident base appears relatively stable, with 75.6% of residents staying at the same address and 24.4% turnover. Holloways Beach has 2,398 residents today, while its median age of 46 is 6 years above the national comparison. The 3 development matters recorded over 12 months suggest limited visible construction activity compared with more rapidly changing suburbs.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state education open registers (school locations), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications).
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