Cleveland

Population growth drivers in Cleveland are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Cleveland's population is approximately 17,561 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,710 people from the 2021 Census total of 15,851. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,769 in June 2024 and an additional 279 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,481 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cleveland's growth rate of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA4 region's 8.3% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation, with Cleveland expected to grow by 2,547 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.0% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cleveland among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Cleveland has recorded approximately 130 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25651 homes were approved, with an additional 110 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.4 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed during these years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, contributing to stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $389,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26 alone, $42.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum compared to Greater Brisbane, where Cleveland has 18.0% less new development per person. Nationally, Cleveland ranks at the 82nd percentile of areas assessed for new development. Recent construction trends show a shift towards higher-density living, with 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% medium to high-density housing, compared to the current housing pattern of 60.0% houses.

This change may be attributed to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has an approximate population density of 131 people per dwelling approval, indicating a growing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cleveland is projected to gain 1,755 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply is expected to meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Cleveland has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Redlands Health and Wellness Precinct, Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area, Redland Hospital Expansion, and Cleveland Centre Master Plan Implementation. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Cleveland demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Cleveland's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.1%. As of September 2025, 8,605 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation lagged at 59.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 17.8% of residents worked from home. Key industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had notably high employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 7.8% versus the regional average of 8.9%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 6.1%, labour force by 5.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cleveland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Cleveland SA2 was $55,707 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $87,599 during the same period. For Greater Brisbane, these figures were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $61,228 for median income and $96,280 for average income. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Cleveland ranked between the 31st and 37th percentiles. The largest segment of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, comprising 26.4% (4,636 residents), which mirrors regional levels at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

Cleveland displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Cleveland with 60.5% houses and 39.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cleveland was 40.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Cleveland's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

Cleveland features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Cleveland aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Cleveland trail regional benchmarks, with 22.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (25.8%).

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 8.3% in secondary education, 7.7% in primary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Cleveland has 86 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 36 routes, collectively serving 2,198 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 253 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 314 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Cleveland is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Cleveland faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 63% of Cleveland's total population (11,116 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1% and 8.6% of residents respectively.

However, 61.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 34.7% of residents aged 65 and over (6,098 people), higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Cleveland was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cleveland's cultural diversity is above average, with 9.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.4% born overseas. The predominant religion in Cleveland is Christianity, accounting for 55.4% of the population, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (34.2%), Australian (21.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, South African (1.0%) is overrepresented in Cleveland compared to the regional average of 0.6%, as are New Zealanders (1.1% vs 1.0%) and Scots (9.1% vs 7.4%).

Cleveland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cleveland's median age is 52 years, which is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median age of 36 years, and older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, Cleveland has a notably over-represented cohort of 75-84 year-olds (13.8%) while 25-34 year-olds are under-represented (5.0%). This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, Cleveland's 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.3% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 7.4% to 5.0%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.2% to 8.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cleveland's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 1,159 people (48%) from 2,419 to 3,579. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting Cleveland's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts.