Cleveland (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Cleveland are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Cleveland's population is estimated at 17,561 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,711 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,850 people in the suburb of Cleveland (Qld). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 16,769 residents following examination of ABS data up to June 2024 and an additional 279 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,492 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cleveland's growth of 10.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth of 8.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Cleveland (Qld), with an expected increase of 2,547 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cleveland among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Cleveland shows approximately 130 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 651 homes. As of FY-26110 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 is 1.4 people per year, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $562,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, Cleveland has registered $42.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Cleveland records 18.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally. The current housing mix is shifting towards higher-density living, with 59.0% townhouses or apartments and 41.0% standalone homes, a significant change from the previous 60.0% houses. This shift reflects reduced development site availability and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Cleveland has approximately 128 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Cleveland to grow by 1,755 residents through to 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Cleveland has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Redland Hospital Expansion, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, Redlands Health and Wellness Precinct, and Redlands Research Station Expansion. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Cleveland well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Cleveland has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%. Over the past year, ending September 2025, employment growth was estimated at 6.1% based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 8,605 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Cleveland lags behind Greater Brisbane at 59.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 17.8% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. The key industries of employment among Cleveland residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Notably, construction employment levels are at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1%, while labour force increased by 5.9%, resulting in an unemployment rate decrease of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point reduction in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Cleveland. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cleveland's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Cleveland had a median income among taxpayers of $53,426 with the average level standing at $83,585. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,721 (median) and $91,868 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Cleveland, between the 31st and 38th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 26.4% of the population (4,636 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen regionally where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cleveland, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Cleveland displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Cleveland's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.5% houses and 39.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro, on the other hand, had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cleveland stood at 40.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.9% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Cleveland was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Cleveland's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Cleveland features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Cleveland performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Cleveland lag behind regional benchmarks. As of a recent report (2021), 22.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This discrepancy suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor's degrees are most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (25.8%). Notably, 24.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 8.3% in secondary education, 7.7% in primary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cleveland has 87 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 36 routes, facilitating 2,198 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 253 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 89%, with an average of 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 17.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 314 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Cleveland are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Cleveland, Ohio, as assessed by AreaSearch on August 17th, 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat typical of the general population, but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (10,592 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane, Australia. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 61.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents showed above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 34.7% of residents aged 65 and over (6,093 people), which was higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, though they ranked lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Cleveland has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.4% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Cleveland, making up 55.4%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (34.2%), Australian (21.5%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, South African (1.0%) and New Zealand (1.1%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 0.6% and 1.0%, respectively. Scottish ancestry is also relatively high at 9.1%.

Cleveland ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cleveland's median age is 52 years, which is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median age of 36 years and older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, Cleveland has a notable over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (13.8% locally), while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented (5.0%). This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of Cleveland's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 10.3% to 13.8%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 7.4% to 5.0%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 10.2% to 8.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Cleveland's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase by 1,154 people (48%) from 2,423 to 3,578. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts.