Craignish

Craignish lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Craignish is around 2,369. This figure reflects an increase of 179 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,190. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,323 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 166 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Craignish has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median growth is projected for regional areas across the nation. The suburb of Craignish is expected to increase by 524 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 24.2% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Craignish when compared nationally

Craignish has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 69 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.7 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $488,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY26, there have been $173,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Craignish shows reduced construction activity, with 52.0% fewer approvals per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. All recent development has comprised detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Currently, there are around 265 people per approval in Craignish, suggesting a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Craignish is expected to grow by 573 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Craignish has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects include Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, Torbanlea-Pialba Road Upgrade, Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, and Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett. The following list details those likely 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.

The employment environment in Craignish shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Craignish has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025, which is lower than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 4.1%.

There was an estimated employment growth of 9.3% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,236 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.6% lower than Rest of Queensland's rate. Workforce participation was on par with Rest of Queensland's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 11.4% of residents worked from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Craignish shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.3%, labour force increased by 9.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Queensland saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Craignish. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Craignish's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Craignish suburb shows median taxpayer income $50,969 and average $64,081 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below national averages of Rest of Qld's median income $53,146 and average income $66,593. With Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,020 (median) and $70,431 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes at the 19th percentile ($653 weekly), while household income is at the 41st percentile. Income analysis reveals that 30.7% of the community (727 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Craignish is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Craignish's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.5% houses and 0.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craignish was 42.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.9% and rented ones at 7.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Craignish was $383, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Craignish's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 86.0% of all households, including 34.8% couples with children, 42.3% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.0%, with lone person households at 11.5% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Craignish places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area has university qualification rates of 17.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (33.5%). Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Craignish has seven operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, together offering 35 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents located an average of 373 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, predominantly using cars (98%). On average, each dwelling owns 2 vehicles, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages five trips per day, resulting in approximately five weekly trips per stop.

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

Craignish faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,246 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.3% and 10.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (556 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Craignish is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Craignish's population showed low cultural diversity: 84.0% were born in Australia, 91.8% were citizens, and 96.0% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, with 53.0%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (26.8%), and Scottish (9.1%).

Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Welsh were overrepresented at 1.0% compared to 0.5% regionally, German at 5.4% vs 4.7%, and Dutch at 1.4% vs 1.1%.

Craignish hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Craignish's median age in 2021 was 47 years, notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort was notably over-represented at 15.2% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds were under-represented at 7.3%. This 65-74 concentration was well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 14.2%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Craignish's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 115 people (32%) from 360 to 476. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (11 people).