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 May 2026, the estimated population of Craignish is around 2,375, reflecting an increase of 185 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.4% increase from the previous figure of 2,190 residents. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,336, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 167 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Craignish has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Craignish is expected to expand by 482 persons to reach a total population of 2,857 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.6% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Craignish recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Craignish has averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 67 homes. In FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. Each year, approximately four new residents arrive per dwelling constructed in Craignish, leading to a significant demand exceeding supply which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new properties is $488,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, $173,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Craignish records markedly lower building activity, with 52.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

All recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Craignish's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 330 people per approval, Craignish reflects a transitioning market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Craignish is projected to add 443 residents by 2041. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

The impact of local infrastructure changes on an area's performance is significant. AreaSearch has identified one major project that will likely affect the region. Key projects include the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road upgrade and the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection improvement, Torbanlea-Pialba Road upgrade, Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. The following list details those most relevant to the area.

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 both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, healthcare & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.8% over the past year.

There are 1,164 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stands at 61.3%, lower than Regional Qld's 64.5%. A low 11.4% of residents work from home. The area has notable concentration in healthcare & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.8%, labour force grew by 6.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Craignish's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Craignish's median income is $50,969 and average income is $64,081. Nationally, the median income is higher at $53,146 with an average of $66,593. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest Craignish's median income could reach approximately $56,759 and average income around $71,361. Census 2021 data indicates individual incomes are at the 19th percentile ($653 weekly) while household incomes are at the 41st percentile. Income distribution shows that 30.7% of Craignish residents (729 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to regional levels where 31.7% fall within this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other costs. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fourth 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, was 99.5% houses and 0.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craignish stood at 42.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.9% and rented ones at 7.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, surpassing Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Craignish was $383, higher than Regional 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 constitute 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 account for 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 Regional Queensland 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's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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 prominent, 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. 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 offering bus services. These are served by two routes that together offer 35 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 373 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Craignish's residential nature; cars remain the dominant mode at 98%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately five weekly trips per individual 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 are more pronounced among older cohorts. Private health cover is slightly higher in Craignish compared to the average SA2 area, with approximately 53% of the total population (~1,249 people) having it. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.3% and 10.0% of residents respectively. However, 63.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2%, with 574 people falling into this age group, compared to the regional average of 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 84.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.8% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Craignish, making up 53.0% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (26.8%), and Scottish (9.1%).

Notably, Welsh (1.0%) was overrepresented in Craignish compared to the regional average (0.5%), as were German (5.4% vs 4.7%) and Dutch (1.4% vs 1.1%).

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

Craignish's median age of 47 years is notably higher than Regional Queensland's 41 and the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, the 65-74 cohort is significantly over-represented in Craignish at 15.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.2% of Craignish's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 15.7% to 13.9%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Craignish's age profile will change significantly. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to expand by 97 people (26%), growing from 370 to 468. Meanwhile, the number of individuals in the 15 to 24 age range is expected to decrease.