Cranbrook (Qld)

Cranbrook has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Cranbrook, Qld as of Feb 2026 is around 6,075. This reflects an increase of 231 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,844. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of seven new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,808 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projections indicate a decline of 389 persons by 2041, but the 25 to 34 age group is expected to increase by 131 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Cranbrook is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Cranbrook has seen limited development activity over the past five years, with an average of less than one approval per year. This low level of development reflects Cranbrook's rural nature, where housing needs are typically addressed on a local basis rather than being driven by broader market demand. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth figures.

Compared to the rest of Queensland and national trends, Cranbrook has much lower development activity. With population expected to remain stable or decline, pressure on housing is likely to be reduced, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Cranbrook should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects are Townsville University Hospital Expansion, Cranbrook Social Housing Development, Willows Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The labour market performance in Cranbrook lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Cranbrook has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 7.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,780 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Cranbrook lags at 58.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 5.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2% while employment declined by 1.9%, resulting in a 2.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and the labour force grow by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranbrook's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that the median income in Cranbrook is $46,927 and the average income is $55,470. This is lower than national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,577 (median) and $60,967 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income in Cranbrook ranks at the 28th percentile, family income at the 29th percentile, and personal income at the 28th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 31.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (1,895 people), similar to regional levels where 31.7% fall into this bracket. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses.

Cranbrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Cranbrook, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbrook stood at 34.6%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. The majority of dwellings were either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Cranbrook was $293, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Cranbrook's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cranbrook features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 14.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 4.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Qld.

Educational outcomes in Cranbrook fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

In Cranbrook Trail, 21.0% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.4% of residents holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 9.5% and certificates for 26.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cranbrook has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 1,012 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living within 230 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 90% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 144 trips per day, equating to roughly 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cranbrook is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Cranbrook's health data indicates significant challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% of the total population, around 2,987 people, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.9% of residents) and mental health issues (9.9%), while 62.8% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,275 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking even higher than those of the general population nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Cranbrook records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cranbrook's cultural diversity is above average, with 19.2% of its population born overseas and 13.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Cranbrook, comprising 57.6%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (25.3%), English (25.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 2.9% in Cranbrook versus 0.9% regionally, Australian Aboriginal is also higher at 6.3% compared to 3.9%, and Samoan representation is slightly higher at 0.3%.

Cranbrook's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Cranbrook's median age is 40, closely matching Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.1%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort stands at 9.6%. Post-2021 Census, the 25-34 group rose from 13.0% to 15.1%, whereas the 45-54 group fell from 12.4% to 9.9% and the 5-14 group decreased from 11.8% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Cranbrook's age profile. The 85+ group is set to grow by 69%, reaching 267 from 157. Those aged 65 and above will account for 74% of the projected population growth. Conversely, the 75-84 and 35-44 age groups are expected to experience population declines.