Crestmead
Statistical Area - sa2

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 12,979 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 12,158 people, representing a growth of 6.8%. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,828 in June 2024 and an additional 115 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,862 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Crestmead's growth rate since the census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the national average (8.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with Crestmead expected to expand by 401 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.9% 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 approximately 23 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 116 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and two approvals so far in FY-26. An average of 3.8 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years, indicating high demand outpacing supply. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $324,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $40.7 million, showing strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Crestmead has significantly reduced construction activity, with 89.0% less per person than the regional average, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, recent construction has intensified. The area's construction activity is also below national averages, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, preserving Crestmead's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 1383 people per dwelling approval, the area reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show Crestmead adding 249 residents by 2041. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can greatly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 12 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Crestmead Logistics Estate, Greenbank Battery Energy Storage System, Pan Pacific Recycling Solar Panel Facility, and Stone Ridge Estate Logan Reserve. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Crestmead has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Crestmead's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate was 7.1% in June 2024. Employment grew by an estimated 5.8% in the year to June 2025. As of June 2025, 6,145 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation was 58.8%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%.

Leading industries included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing had a significant presence, at twice the regional level. Professional & technical services were less prevalent, with 2.4% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.8%, labour force grew by 4.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 4.4% and a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Crestmead's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Crestmead's median income among taxpayers was $46,263 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $48,287 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By March 2025, estimates project Crestmead's median income to be approximately $51,680 and the average at around $53,941, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, Crestmead's incomes rank modestly, between the 26th and 34th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominated in Crestmead with 38.9% of residents (5,048 people). This trend is similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% occupied this income range. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Crestmead, with only 80.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th 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, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings. In contrast, Brisbane metro had 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crestmead was at 16.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.4% and rented ones at 45.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,600. Median weekly rent in Crestmead was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. 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 comprise 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 account for 21.6%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households making up 4.5%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

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 at 8.0%, significantly below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 6.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.7% in primary, 11.4% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education. The area is served by Crestmead State School and St Francis College, collectively accommodating 2,204 students. Crestmead demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 959) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 17.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.7, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 34 active transport stops operating within Crestmead. These stops offer a mix of bus services. Five individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 518 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 260 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 74 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Crestmead is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Crestmead faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but particularly so among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Crestmead is extremely low at approximately 46% (~5,970 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.6% and 9.8% of residents respectively. 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Crestmead has 10.0% (1,304 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to these challenges.

Crestmead was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Crestmead, surveyed in June 2020, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.6% of its population born overseas and 21.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Crestmead, comprising 43.9% of its people. Notably, Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 4.6% of Crestmead's population versus 5.8%.

Ancestrally, the top three groups were English (24.6%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (14.8%). Significant deviations existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori was overrepresented at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 3.2%, Samoan at 4.1% versus 3.0%, and New Zealand at 1.8% against a regional average of 1.5%.

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 considerably younger than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 5-14 year-olds are particularly prominent at 17.8%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 3.0% compared to Greater Brisbane. This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is higher than the national average of 12.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 15.2% to 16.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 2.0% to 3.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 18.8% to 17.8%. By 2041, Crestmead is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 379 people (97%) from 390 to 770. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.