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 17,053 as of May 2026. This reflects a growth of 1,202 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,851. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates of 16,952 in June 2025 and an additional 341 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,439 persons per square kilometer, above the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Cleveland's growth rate of 7.6% since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.3%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 57.5%.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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 proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for statistical areas across the nation, with Cleveland expected to grow by 2,282 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 12.8% over the 16 years.

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 FY-21 to FY-25651 homes were approved, with an additional 117 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over this period accommodates 1.4 new residents per year.

The supply and demand dynamics appear stable. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $389,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $42.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Cleveland shows 17.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 82nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 41.0% standalone homes and 59.0% attached dwellings, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 60.0% houses.

This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, with a need for more diverse and affordable housing options. Cleveland has an approval rate of around 131 people per approval, indicating a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cleveland is forecasted to gain 2,181 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Cleveland has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Redlands Health and Wellness Precinct, Redland Hospital Expansion, Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area, 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.

The employment environment in Cleveland shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cleveland has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of December 2025. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 5.1% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 8,641 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. However, workforce participation in Cleveland lagged significantly at 59.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 17.8% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Cleveland showed strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 7.8%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. As of the Census, there were 0.6 workers for each resident, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment in Cleveland increased by 5.1% while labour force increased by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise slightly by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with a slight decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Cleveland. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Cleveland SA2 has a median income of $55,707 and an average income of $87,599. This is higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,035 (median) and $97,550 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Cleveland rank modestly, between the 31st and 37th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 26.4% of residents (4,501 people), which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Cleveland, as per the latest Census data, 60.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 39.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cleveland stood at 40.5%, with mortgaged properties at 28.9% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cleveland was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Cleveland was $400 compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Cleveland's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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. 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.

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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 served by 36 routes, facilitating 2,198 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 253 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 89% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (10,794 people), 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 33.6% of residents aged 65 and over (5,733 people), higher than the 15.1% 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% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cleveland at 55.4%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.2%), Australian (21.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, South Australian (1.0%) and New Zealand (1.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Cleveland compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 1.0%, respectively, while Scottish ethnicity is also higher at 9.1%.

Cleveland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cleveland has a median age of 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 notable over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (13.2%), while the 25-34 age group is under-represented (5.8%). This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.3% to 13.2% of Cleveland's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 7.4% to 5.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.2% to 9.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cleveland's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 1,188 people (53%) from 2,259 to 3,448. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting Cleveland's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.