Cranbrook (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Cranbrook's population is estimated at around 6,096 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 252 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,844 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,096, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,814 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cranbrook's 4.3% growth since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Cranbrook's population expected to contract by 361 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 136 people.

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

Cranbrook has averaged less than one approval per year for new developments over the past five years. This limited development activity reflects the area's rural nature, with housing needs typically driven by local demand rather than broader market forces. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Cranbrook's development activity is notably lower compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally. With a stable or declining population projected, housing pressure in Cranbrook is expected to remain low, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include: Townsville University Hospital Expansion, Cranbrook Social Housing Development, Willows Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and TropiQ - Townsville Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct. Below is a list detailing 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.

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

Cranbrook's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 7.1%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of this date, 2,747 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4%.

Workforce participation in Cranbrook stood at 57.3%, significantly lower than Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicated that only 5.7% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area seemed to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the Census working population versus resident population count. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels remained unchanged while employment decreased by 1.8%, resulting in a 1.8 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasted with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7% and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranbrook's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation 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 2023 indicates that income in Cranbrook is lower than average nationally. The median income is $46,927 and the average is $55,470. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cranbrook would be approximately $52,258 (median) and $61,771 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Cranbrook rank modestly, between the 28th and 29th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 31.2% of residents (1,901 people), reflecting patterns seen regionally where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 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 findings, 81.5% of dwellings were houses while 18.6% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differed slightly from Queensland's regional average, which had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbrook stood at 34.6%, aligning with Regional Qld's figure. Mortgaged properties made up 32.2%, while rented dwellings accounted for 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, significantly lower than the regional average of $1,655 and national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Cranbrook was recorded at $293, substantially below Regional Qld's $345 and Australia's $375 figure.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which aligns with the Regional Queensland average.

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

Cranbrook Trail has 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.5% and certificates for 26.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 6.4% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Cranbrook shows that there are currently 24 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 9 individual routes providing service. Together, these routes facilitate 1,012 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Cranbrook is rated as good, with residents typically residing approximately 230 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Cranbrook, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 144 trips per day, resulting in approximately 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Cranbrook. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,998 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.9 and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,298 people). Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking higher than 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, when assessed for cultural diversity, showed a higher than average percentage with 19.2% of its population born overseas and 13.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cranbrook, accounting for 57.6% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (25.3%), English (25.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had higher representations in Cranbrook than regionally: Filipino at 2.9% versus 0.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 6.3% versus 3.9%, and Samoan at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

Cranbrook's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Cranbrook's median age is 40, close to Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but slightly higher than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.8% of Cranbrook's population, compared to Regional Queensland, while the 45-54 cohort comprises 9.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.8%, and the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 9.8%. The 5-14 group has also dropped, from 11.8% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Cranbrook's age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 70%, reaching 310 from 182. The population aged 65 and above will account for 74% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.