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 17,058 as of November 2025. This reflects a growth of 1,207 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,851. The increase was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 16,810 in June 2024 and an additional 280 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,439 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Cleveland's growth rate of 7.6% since the census is comparable to its SA4 region at 7.7%. Primary driver was overseas migration contributing approximately 58.0% of overall population gains.

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 are adopted, based on 2021 data but without age category splits. Proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where state projections are used. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth, with the area expected to grow by 2,547 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 13.2% over the 17 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 FY21 to FY25, a total of 651 homes were approved, with an additional 107 approved so far in FY26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 1.4.

This suggests that supply and demand are well-matched, contributing to stable market dynamics. The average construction value for new properties is $389,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY26, there have been $42.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Cleveland shows 18.0% 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 that require more diverse and affordable housing options. With around 131 people per approval, Cleveland indicates a developing area. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Cleveland is forecasted to gain 2,258 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are 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 likely to be 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 labour market in Cleveland shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Cleveland has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 6.1% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 8,605 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Cleveland is lower at 53.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Cleveland shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a higher than normal level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.1%, while labour force grew by 5.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a reduction in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Cleveland SA2 has a high national median income of $53,426 and an average income of $83,585. In comparison, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Cleveland SA2 would be approximately $60,900 (median) and $95,279 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Cleveland rank modestly, between the 31st and 37th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 26.4% of residents (4,503 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cleveland SA2, 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

Cleveland's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consist of 60.5% houses and 39.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In Brisbane metro, this ratio is 83.9% houses to 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cleveland stands at 40.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cleveland aligns with Brisbane metro's average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent is $400 compared to Brisbane metro's $2,000 and $425 respectively. Nationally, Cleveland's median monthly mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpass 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 comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households making up 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 are most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, 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 is actively pursuing 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. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 32 routes in total, serving 2,729 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 253 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 389 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cleveland is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cleveland faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 61% of Cleveland's total population (10,456 people) has private health cover, compared to 54.2% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 61.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% in Greater Brisbane. Cleveland has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 33.4% (5,690 people), than Greater Brisbane's 25.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.4% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Cleveland, accounting for 55.4%. This compares to 52.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (21.5%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, South African (1.0%) and New Zealand (1.1%) were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 1.2%, respectively. Scottish representation was also notable at 9.1%.

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, the 75-84 age cohort is over-represented in Cleveland at 13.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.4%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Cleveland's population in the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.3% to 13.1%, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 7.4% to 5.4%. The 5-14 age group has also decreased, from 10.2% to 9.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cleveland's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 60% from 2,236 people to 3,579 people. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 86% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts.