Crestmead

An assessment of population growth drivers in Crestmead reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Crestmead's population is around 12,966 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 808 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,158 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,827 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 115 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,860 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 natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 401 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Crestmead recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Crestmead has seen around 23 new homes approved annually, with 116 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.8 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $228,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $40.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Relative to Greater Brisbane, Crestmead shows substantially reduced construction (89.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though construction activity has intensified recently. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 1383 people per dwelling approval, Crestmead reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Crestmead adding 262 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Crestmead has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Crestmead Logistics Estate, Logan Hospital Expansion, Greenbank Battery Energy Storage System, and Pan Pacific Recycling Solar Panel Facility, 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.

Employment drivers in Crestmead are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Crestmead features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 7.1%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,895 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.0% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (66.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 2.4% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1% and the labour force decreased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Crestmead. 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 Crestmead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% 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

The Crestmead SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Crestmead SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,725 and the average income stands at $51,452, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,554 (median) and $56,551 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Crestmead, between the 26th and 34th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 38.9% of residents (5,043 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile.

Crestmead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Crestmead, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Crestmead lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 16.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.4%) or rented (45.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,430, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Crestmead's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Crestmead features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 78.4% of all households, comprising 36.2% couples with children, 18.4% couples without children, and 22.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.6%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Crestmead faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (8.0%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 6.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 11.4% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 34 active transport stops operating within Crestmead, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 514 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 259 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 6.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 73 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Crestmead is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Crestmead, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,977 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 66.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 10.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,388 people), which is lower than the 15.2% 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 Crestmead was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Crestmead is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 29.6% of its population born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Crestmead is Christianity, which makes up 43.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 4.6% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Crestmead are English, comprising 24.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 4.3% of Crestmead (vs 1.1% regionally), Samoan at 4.1% (vs 0.9%) and New Zealand at 1.8% (vs 1.0%).

Crestmead hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 29, Crestmead is notably under the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and similarly considerably younger than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 5 - 14 year-olds are particularly prominent (17.4%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (13.2%) than in Greater Brisbane. This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 15.2% to 16.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.0% to 3.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.2% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 18.8% to 17.4%. By 2041, Crestmead is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 336 people (78%) from 433 to 770. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.