Overall score
Cairns North
52.0/100
Whitfield
45.1/100
Cairns North vs Whitfield, QLD suburb comparison
Cairns North for families and schools; Whitfield for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Cairns NorthWhitfield
Crime rate
Cairns North
146.0 / 1k
Whitfield
145.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cairns North
352
Whitfield
47
Population
Cairns North
5,334
Whitfield
4,262
Metric leadCairns North 5Whitfield 4across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesWhitfield
- Best for familiesCairns North
- Best for investmentWhitfield
- Best for best valueWhitfield
- Best for best schoolsCairns North
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Cairns North | Whitfield |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 52.0/100 | 45.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.9/100 | 76.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 146.0 / 1k | 145.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability | 89.5/100 | 13.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 352 | 47 |
| Population | 5,334 | 4,262 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Cairns North is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace, while Whitfield is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Cairns North tends to lead on schools and education options and walkability, while Whitfield stands out for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Families and households prioritising schools may find Cairns North the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Whitfield.