Cranbrook
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Cranbrook's population was 5,844 people as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it is estimated to be around 6,082, reflecting a growth of 238 people (4.1%) since the census. This increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,075 as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. Cranbrook's population density stands at 1,810 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Since the census, Cranbrook has grown at a rate of 4.1%, positioning it within 2.8 percentage points of its SA4 region (6.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. 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 aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort. According to projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 389 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are projected to grow, with an increase of 132 people anticipated in this age group over this period.

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

Development activity data is being compiled for this area.

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

Population in Cranbrook is expected to remain stable or decline, which should reduce pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Cranbrook has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the expansion of Townsville University Hospital, Cranbrook Social Housing Development, redevelopment of Willows Shopping Centre, and TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 labour market performance in Cranbrook lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Cranbrook has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.3% as of June 2025.

In this month, 2,789 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Cranbrook is similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, with employment decreasing by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranbrook's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Cranbrook had a median taxpayer income of $46,927 and an average income of $55,470. Both figures are below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,492 (median) and $63,230 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Cranbrook's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 29th and 29th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.2% of Cranbrook residents (1,897 individuals), similar to the broader area's 31.7%. After housing expenses, 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

Cranbrook's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 81.5% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbrook stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Cranbrook was $293, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Cranbrook's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.9% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 4.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

Educational qualifications in Cranbrook Trail show that 21.0% of residents aged 15 and over hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (26.9%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, broken down into primary (9.0%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (6.4%) levels.

Cranbrook's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,186 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 982). The area functions as an education hub, offering 35.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.7, and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Cranbrook has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 1,012 weekly passenger trips. The town's public transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average being located 230 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 144 trips per day, which equates 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 shows significant issues in Cranbrook, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering about 2,895 people, compared to 53.3% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and mental health issues (9.9%), with 62.8% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in Rest of Qld.

Cranbrook has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 20.9%, or about 1,273 people, than the Rest of Qld's 14.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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

Cranbrook's cultural diversity is above average, with 19.2% of its population born overseas and 13.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cranbrook, accounting for 57.6%, compared to 52.7% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.3%), English (25.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 2.9% in Cranbrook than regionally at 1.1%, Australian Aboriginal is also higher at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 5.0%, and Samoan representation stands at 0.3% in Cranbrook versus 0.1% regionally.

Cranbrook's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Cranbrook's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group has strong representation at 14.5%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.0% to 14.5%, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.4% to 10.3%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Cranbrook's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 85+ group growing by 75% (114 people), reaching 268 from 153. The aging population trend is clear, as those aged 65 and above comprise 60% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 35-44 age groups are expected to experience population declines.