Crestmead

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

Crestmead's population was approximately 12,898 as of May 2026. Between the 2021 Census and this date, there was an increase of 740 people, reflecting a growth rate of 6.1%. This increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 12,895 in June 2025 and 117 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density reached 1,850 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth accounted for approximately 55.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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 lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Crestmead's population is expected to increase by 216 persons to reach approximately 15,174 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 1.6% over the 16-year period.

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 approximately 23 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25116 homes were approved, with a further 50 approved in FY-26 as of current figures. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years has been around 3.8 people.

This significant demand outstripping supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $228,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers in the area. In FY-26, there have been commercial approvals totalling $40.7 million, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Crestmead has notably less development activity, with 89.0% fewer approvals per person on average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, the area's level of development is also below average, which could reflect its maturity or potential planning constraints. Recent construction in Crestmead comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban character with a focus on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers. With around 1383 people per dwelling approval, Crestmead reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, the area is projected to gain 213 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Twelve infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include Crestmead Logistics Estate, Greenbank Battery Energy Storage System, Pan Pacific Recycling Solar Panel Facility, and Cedar Ridge Logan Reserve. The following list details those expected 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Crestmead faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Crestmead's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 7.1%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.

As of December 2025, 5,895 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 65.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census data, only 6.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at twice the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical employment is low at 2.4%, compared to 8.9% regionally. Many residents commute outside Crestmead for work. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while labour force decreased by 1.5%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Crestmead's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The Crestmead SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,725 and an average of $51,452 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,260 (median) and $57,297 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Crestmead, between the 26th and 34th percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 38.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,017 residents), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.5% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Crestmead's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crestmead stood at 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 45.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,430, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Crestmead was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Crestmead's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 78.4% of all households, including 36.2% couples with children, 18.4% couples without children, and 22.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.6%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 8.0%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 6.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are common, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high, with 36.2% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.7% in primary, 11.4% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

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

Crestmead has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 514 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 259 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

Only 6.8% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; this figure may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions). Across all routes, an average of 73 trips per day is maintained, translating to roughly 15 weekly trips per 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

Crestmead faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% (around 5,945 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.6%) and mental health issues (9.8%). 66.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age population health presents notable challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Crestmead has 10.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,294 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.6% born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Crestmead, comprising 43.9%. However, Islam had an overrepresentation of 4.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.6%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (14.8%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Notably, Maori (4.3% vs 1.1%), Samoan (4.1% vs 0.9%), and New Zealand (1.8% vs 1.0%) ethnic groups were overrepresented in Crestmead compared to regional averages.

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

Crestmead has a median age of 29, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 make up 17.1% of the population, compared to 12.0% nationally. Meanwhile, the 75-84 age group comprises only 3.0%, smaller than in Greater Brisbane. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 15.2% to 17.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 18.8% to 17.1%. By 2041, Crestmead's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to rise by 298 people (78%), from 383 to 682. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. However, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.