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 growth represents a 5.4% increase from the previous population count of 24,683. The change is inferred from the resident population estimate of 26,007 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 233 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a 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, from 2016 to 2026, Cranbourne North has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase is forecast for Cranbourne North, with the area expected to increase by 9,394 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 36.1% in total over the 17 years from 2026 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Cranbourne North recorded approximately 43 residential property approvals annually. From FY21 to FY25, around 219 homes were approved, with another 5 in FY26 so far. Each year, an average of 7.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This substantial lag between supply and demand typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $350,000. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $380,000, 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 generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, the 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 for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 95.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1479 people per dwelling approval, Cranbourne North indicates a highly mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by approximately 9382 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Summerset Cranbourne North, WT Business Park, Kala Primary School, and Cranbourne North Stage 2 Precinct Structure Plan. The following list details those likely 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 prominently represented. Its unemployment rate was 6.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4%. As of September 2025, 13,794 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 73.8%, slightly above Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 18.8% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. The area specializes in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 5.5% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.4%, while labour force grew by 4.8%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranbourne North's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Cranbourne North had a median taxpayer income of $51,011 and an average of $57,830 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,219 (median) and $62,601 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Cranbourne North are around the 54th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbourne North was at 16.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.5% and rented ones at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Cranbourne North was $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Cranbourne North's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $385 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 15.6%, with lone person households at 13.5% and group households comprising 2.2%. 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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, comprising 13.2% in primary, 9.8% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by ten different routes that facilitate a total of 2,926 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 217 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 91%, while train use stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, buses operate an average of 418 trips daily, equating to roughly 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 are close to national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 50% (~12,944 people) have private health cover, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and mental health issues (6.6%), while 76.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments. This compares to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Cranbourne North has 8.9% (2,315 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some 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 level of cultural diversity, with 46.3% of its population born overseas and 48.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Cranbourne North, comprising 37.4% of the population. Islam is overrepresented in Cranbourne North compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 14.1% versus an average of 5.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (27.8%), Australian (17.1%), and English (16.1%). Notably, Sri Lankan (2.8%) and Indian (9.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Cranbourne North compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Samoan ethnicity is also notably higher at 1.2%.

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, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.4% to 15.2%, while the 65-74 age group increased from 4.5% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 14.8% to 12.8%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 8.3% to 6.8%. Population forecasts for Cranbourne North indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 59%, adding 2,027 residents to reach a total of 5,488.