Cranbrook

Cranbrook has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Cranbrook's population is around 6,075 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 231 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,844 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,075 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,808 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 81.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 389 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 132 people.

The level of residential development activity in Cranbrook is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Cranbrook has minimal residential development activity, with fewer than 1 dwelling approvals annually (totalling minimal across the past five years). Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note: given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Cranbrook shows significantly less construction activity than the Rest of Qld. Development levels are likewise below national averages.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Cranbrook should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Cranbrook has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Townsville University Hospital Expansion, Cranbrook Social Housing Development, Willows Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 performance in Cranbrook lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Cranbrook has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 7.1%. As of December 2025, 2,747 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.1% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (57.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.6% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.0% alongside a 1.8% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cranbrook. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cranbrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Cranbrook SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $48,860 while the average income stands at $57,593. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,702 (median) and $63,300 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Cranbrook, between the 28th and 28th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.2% of residents (1,895 people), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses.

Cranbrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Cranbrook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.5% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cranbrook was in line with that of Regional Qld, at 34.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $293, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Cranbrook's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cranbrook features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 66.9% of all households, comprising 24.4% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 4.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Educational outcomes in Cranbrook fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Cranbrook trail regional benchmarks, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (26.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Cranbrook, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 1,012 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 5.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 144 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Cranbrook, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,891 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.9% and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 62.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,276 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Cranbrook records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cranbrook is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 19.2% of its population born overseas and 13.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Cranbrook is Christianity, which makes up 57.6% of people in Cranbrook. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Cranbrook are Australian, comprising 25.3% of the population, English, comprising 25.0% of the population, and Other, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 2.9% of Cranbrook (vs 0.9% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 6.3% (vs 3.9%) and Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Cranbrook's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Cranbrook is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 15.1% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.0% to 15.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 9.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.8% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Cranbrook's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 69% (109 people), reaching 268 from 158. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 75% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.