Cranbourne North

Cranbourne North 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 population of Cranbourne North is estimated at around 26,019, reflecting an increase of 1,336 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of 5.4%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, is 26,007. This results in a population density ratio of 2,540 persons per square kilometer, placing Cranbourne North in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, ending in 2021, Cranbourne North has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%, outpacing the SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections until 2041, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, a significant population increase is forecast for Cranbourne North, with an expected growth of 9,387 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 36.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Cranbourne North recorded approximately 43 residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 219 homes were approved, with a further six approved in FY26. On average, 7.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

Supply has substantially lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $350,000. This financial year, there have been $380,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne North has significantly less development activity, 89.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 29.0% detached houses and 71.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 95.0% houses. Cranbourne North reflects a highly mature market with around 1479 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by approximately 9,375 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Cranbourne North 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 26 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Summerset Cranbourne North, WT Business Park, Kala Primary School, and Cranbourne North Stage 2 Precinct Structure Plan. 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.

Cranbourne North has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Cranbourne North has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 6.8% in December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the preceding year. As of that date, 13,857 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.0% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation stood at 74.4%, slightly above Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 18.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing had a particularly high share of employment at 1.7 times the regional level, while professional & technical services employed only 5.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 4.6%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranbourne North's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Cranbourne North's median taxpayer income is $51,011 and average is $57,830, based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, this is lower than average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,219 (median) and $62,601 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Cranbourne North fall around the 54th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates, with 42.9% of residents (11,162 people), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 18.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Cranbourne North's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbourne North stood at 16.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.5% and rented ones at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, below Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Cranbourne North's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 84.4% of all households, including 51.8% couples with children, 17.6% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.6%, with lone person households at 13.5% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (21.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 36.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cranbourne North has 77 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,926 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 217 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 91%, while train usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Cranbourne North, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.8% of residents work from home, a trend potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 418 trips per day, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cranbourne North's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Cranbourne North's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are typical of the general population but higher among older cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% (12,944 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and mental health issues (6.6%), with 76.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 9.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,367 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Cranbourne North 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 North has a high cultural diversity, with 46.3% of its population born overseas and 48.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 37.4% of the population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 14.1% versus an average of 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (27.8%), Australian (17.1%), and English (16.1%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Indian, and Samoan ethnicities have higher representations than regional averages: Sri Lankan at 2.8% versus 0.8%, Indian at 9.2% versus 4.2%, and Samoan at 1.2% versus 0.3%.

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

Cranbourne North has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne North has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.4% to 15.3%, while the 65-74 age group has increased from 4.5% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 12.8%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 8.3% to 6.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Cranbourne North, with the strongest projected growth occurring among the 45-54 age cohort, which is expected to grow by 57%, adding 2,001 residents to reach a total of 5,488.