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

The population of the Cranbourne North statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 26,019 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,336 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,683. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 26,007 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 234 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,540 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, 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, contributing 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast for Cranbourne North (SA2), with an expected increase of 9,394 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 36.1% over the 17 years.

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 indicates Cranbourne North has averaged around 43 residential property approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 219 homes were approved, with an additional five approved in FY26 so far. Each year, about 7.3 people have moved into the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $350,000. In FY26, there have been $380,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Cranbourne North has significantly less development activity than Greater Melbourne, with 89.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, the area also reflects lower development activity, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 29.0% detached houses and 71.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 95.0% houses.

This change may reflect decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1479 people per dwelling approval, Cranbourne North reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, the area is expected to 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely impacting the area. 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 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. The unemployment rate in the area was 6.3% as of September 2025.

This figure represents an increase of 3.4% from the previous year. The area's unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Cranbourne North stands at 67.5%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction.

The area specializes particularly in manufacturing, with an employment share that is 1.7 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 5.5% of local workers, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Cranbourne North increased by 3.4%, while the labour force grew by 4.8%. This resulted in an increase in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% over the same period, with a labour force growth of 3.3%. Unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during this time. State-level data from Victoria up to 25-Nov shows that employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs. The state's unemployment rate was 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Victoria's employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, provide further insight into potential future demand within Cranbourne North. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cranbourne North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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. These figures are lower than the national averages. Greater Melbourne's median income was $57,688 and average income was $75,164 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,219 (median) and $62,601 (average), based on an 8.25% increase from financial year 2023 using Wage Price Index growth. Census data indicates that incomes in Cranbourne North cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, with 42.9% of residents (11,162 people) falling within this range. This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 18.2% of income in Cranbourne North. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 59th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Cranbourne North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Cranbourne North's latest Census data shows 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 91.5% houses and 8.5% 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, below Melbourne metro's $1,950, while the median weekly rent was $385, compared to Melbourne metro's $386. Nationally, Cranbourne North's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $385 compared to 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%, comprising 13.5% lone person households and 2.2% group households. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.2.

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% currently enrolled in formal education: 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 78 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 10 different routes, which together facilitate 2,926 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average being located 217 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 418 trips per day, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cranbourne North's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Cranbourne North's health outcomes show excellent results, particularly for younger age groups with low prevalence of common conditions. Approximately half (50%) of its total population (~12,944) has private health cover, compared to Australia's average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical issues are asthma and mental health concerns, affecting 7.3% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A majority, 76.7%, report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 76.4%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (8.4%; 2,185 people) compared to Greater Melbourne (9.6%). While health outcomes for seniors require more attention, overall results are positive.

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 predominant religion in Cranbourne North, accounting for 37.4% of the population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 14.1% versus 11.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (27.8%), Australian (17.1%), and English (16.1%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Indian, and Samoan ethnicities have varying levels of representation compared to regional averages: Sri Lankan is slightly overrepresented at 2.8% versus 2.2%, Indian has equal representation at 9.2%, and Samoan is slightly underrepresented at 1.2% versus 1.3%.

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 significantly under Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne North has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 years (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (13.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 15-24 years has increased from 13.4% to 15.0%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 years has decreased from 14.8% to 13.2%. The percentage of residents aged 0-4 years has also declined, from 8.3% to 7.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Cranbourne North, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group, which is expected to grow by 61%, adding 2,079 residents and reaching a total of 5,488.