Cranbrook

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

As of February 2026, Cranbrook's population is approximately 6,075, indicating a growth of 231 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,844. This increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 6,075 in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,808 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.8% to overall population gains recently. 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, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population projections indicate a decline of 389 persons by 2041. However, specific age groups like the 25 to 34 cohort are expected to grow, projected to increase by 132 people over this period.

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

Cranbrook had less than one dwelling approval annually from 2016 to 2020. This minimal residential development activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Notably, the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, Cranbrook has significantly less construction activity. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Cranbrook, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures which may benefit potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting 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. 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 labour market performance in Cranbrook lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Cranbrook has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.3%. In this month, 2,780 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Cranbrook lags at 58.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 5.7% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.6% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, but employment declined by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranbrook's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Cranbrook SA2 is below the national average. The median income is $48,860 and the average income stands at $57,593. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,702 (median) and $63,300 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Cranbrook rank modestly, between the 28th and 28th percentiles. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 31.2% of residents (1,895 people), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 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

The dwelling structure in Cranbrook, as assessed at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, consisted of 81.5% houses and 18.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Cranbrook was aligned with that of Non-Metro Qld at 34.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data from June 2021, was $1,300, which is below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Cranbrook, based on the most recent data from March 2022, was recorded at $293, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and 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 comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households making up 4.8% of the total. 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

Cranbrook Trail's residents aged 15+ have 21.0% university degree holders, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common (14.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.4% holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 26.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.0% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 6.4% in tertiary education.

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 9 different routes that together facilitate 1,012 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered good, with residents on average being located 230 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transportation at 90%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.7% of residents work from home, though this may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes 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

Cranbrook faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Only 48% of Cranbrook residents have private health cover, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.9% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 62.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Cranbrook has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,276 people). Health outcomes among seniors are generally in line with national rankings.

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's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 19.2% born overseas and 13.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cranbrook as of 57.6%, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (25.3%), English (25.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Filipino representation was higher at 2.9% in Cranbrook than the regional average of 0.9%, while Australian Aboriginal stood at 6.3% compared to 3.9% regionally, and Samoan was 0.3% versus 0.2%.

Cranbrook's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Cranbrook is 40 years, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly higher than the national norm of 38. The proportion of people aged 25-34 stands at 15.1%, exceeding Rest of Qld's figure, while those aged 5-14 make up 9.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.0% to 15.1%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 group declined from 12.4% to 9.9%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Cranbrook's age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 69%, reaching 268 people from 158. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 75% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.