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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Craignish's estimated population is around 2,337. This reflects a 147-person increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,190 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,323 based on June 2024 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 164 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Craignish has shown resilient growth with a 2.3% compound annual growth rate. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 based on 2021 data. Projected population growth indicates an above median increase nationally for non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with Craignish expected to expand by 540 persons, reflecting a gain of 26.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Craignish averaging around 13 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 69 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 4.7 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpacing supply. New homes are being built at an average value of $488,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

In FY-26, $173,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Craignish has significantly less development activity, with 52.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character focused on family homes.

The location has approximately 265 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections estimate Craignish adding 618 residents by 2041, with current construction levels potentially lagging population growth and intensifying buyer competition while underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road upgrade and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection improvement, Torbanlea-Pialba Road upgrade, Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Craignish ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Craignish has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

As of September 2025, there are 1,237 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. This is 0.6% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.5%. Workforce participation in Craignish is somewhat below standard at 55.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

The area has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Craignish's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.5%, while labour force increased by 10.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Craignish's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Craignish's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Craignish suburb has a median taxpayer income of $50,969 and an average of $64,081 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld's median income being $53,146 and average income at $66,593. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $56,020 (median) and $70,431 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes are at the 19th percentile ($653 weekly), while household income is at the 41st percentile. Income distribution shows that 30.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region's 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other expenditures. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Craignish is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Craignish's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.5% houses and 0.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Craignish had a home ownership rate of 42.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (49.9%) or rented (7.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent was $383, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Craignish's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (33.5%). Educational participation is high, with 26.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together offer 35 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living 373 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Craignish is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Craignish faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is more prevalent than average in this area, with approximately 53% (~1,229 people) having it compared to 47.8% across the rest of Queensland. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.3% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.0%). However, 63.7% of residents report being entirely free from medical ailments, compared to 56.7% across the rest of Queensland. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.1% (539 people), compared to 31.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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

Craignish, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2020, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 84.0% of its residents born in Australia, 91.8% being Australian citizens, and 96.0% predominantly speaking English at home. Christianity emerged as the primary religion in Craignish, accounting for 53.0% of the population, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.7%. The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth were English (33.7%), Australian (26.8%), and Scottish (9.1%).

Notably, Welsh (1.0%) and German (5.4%) ethnicities were slightly overrepresented in Craignish compared to the regional averages of 0.5% and 5.3%, respectively, while Dutch ethnicity was marginally higher at 1.4%.

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

Craignish's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 and also older than the national norm of 38. The percentage of residents aged 65-74 in Craignish is notably higher at 15.0%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has grown from 9.5% to 11.1%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.7% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Craignish's age profile. The 65-74 age group is projected to increase by 127 people (36%) from 350 to 478. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is expected to grow minimally by just 6% (16 people).