Cranbourne East

Cranbourne East lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Cranbourne East is around 28,817, reflecting a 4,138 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 16.8% rise from the previous population count of 24,679 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 28,696 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 546 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,173 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Cranbourne East's population growth since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for Cranbourne East are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Cranbourne East is expected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to expand by 17,891 persons, reflecting a total gain of 61.7% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Cranbourne East was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cranbourne East had around 304 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 1,520 homes. By May 26th 2026128 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.8 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25.

This supply lags demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $299,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY26, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne East has 19.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 80th percentile nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence.

New developments consist of 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. With around 136 people per dwelling approval, Cranbourne East exhibits growth area characteristics. Future projections estimate Cranbourne East will add 17,770 residents by 2041. Construction pace is reasonable with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are WILMAC Clyde North, Eastleigh Estate, Pavilion Casey Fields, and Orana Village Town Centre. The following 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.

Employment conditions in Cranbourne East remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Cranbourne East has a skilled workforce with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of December 2025, 14,437 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is at 71.3%, similar to Greater Melbourne. Around 16.0% of residents work from home, according to Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has particularly high concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 4.4% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, while labour force grew by 4.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4%, labour force grow by 2.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Cranbourne East. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cranbourne East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Cranbourne East had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Cranbourne East was $50,034, with an average income of $56,391. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 2023, current estimates for Cranbourne East would be approximately $54,162 (median) and $61,043 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census data from 2021, household income in Cranbourne East ranked at the 59th percentile ($1,912 weekly), while personal income was at the 43rd percentile. Income analysis showed that 45.3% of locals (13,054 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which was consistent with broader regional trends showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consumed 19.5% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 55th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Cranbourne East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.6% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbourne East was 16.0%, with dwellings either mortgaged (59.4%) or rented (24.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Cranbourne East's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 84.0% of all households, including 53.6% that are couples with children, 18.1% that are couples without children, and 11.3% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 16.0%, with lone person households at 14.1% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Cranbourne East exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 25.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.7%) and certificates (20.7%). Educational participation is high at 36.4%, with 13.9% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cranbourne East has 61 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by eight distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1,513 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 391 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 89%, while trains account for 6%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

In 2021 Census data, 16% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Daily service frequency averages 216 trips across all routes, translating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Cranbourne East 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

Cranbourne East shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% of the total population (~14,175 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (6.8%) and mental health issues (5.8%). 77.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 10.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,054 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Cranbourne East is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cranbourne East has a high level of cultural diversity, with 50.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 48.2% born overseas. The predominant religion in Cranbourne East is Christianity, accounting for 37.6% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 10.8%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the largest group at 26.1%, higher than the regional average of 14.6%. English and Australian ancestries follow with 16.7% and 16.5% respectively. There are significant disparities in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Indian residents make up 13.4% compared to the regional average of 4.2%, Sri Lankan residents account for 1.6% versus 0.8%, and Samoan residents comprise 1.7% compared to 0.3%.

Cranbourne East hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Cranbourne East has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and lower than Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne East has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (17.5%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.7%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is above the national average of 12.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 45-54 has grown from 10.0% to 11.6%, while those aged 55-64 increased from 5.6% to 7.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 25-34 has declined from 15.4% to 12.7%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 9.4% to 7.5%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Cranbourne East's age profile by 2041, with the 45-54 cohort showing strong projected growth of 100%, adding 3,335 residents and reaching a total of 6,678.