Cranbrook (Qld)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Cranbrook (Qld) is around 6,082. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population count of 5,844 people. The growth of 238 individuals represents a 4.1% change since the census date. AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,075 is based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and validation of seven new addresses post-census. This results in a population density ratio of 1,810 persons per square kilometer for Cranbrook, which exceeds national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate since the census is 4.1%, placing it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.9%.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 82% of overall population gains in recent periods for Cranbrook. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population dynamics indicate a decline by 2041. According to the adopted methodology, Cranbrook's population is expected to contract by 389 persons by that year. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, which is anticipated 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

Development activity data is being compiled for this area.

Cranbrook shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of Qld. This activity level is similarly below national patterns.

Population projections indicate stability or decline in Cranbrook, which should result in reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Cranbrook has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include the 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 relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment drivers in Cranbrook are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Cranbrook's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 7.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

There were 2,789 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 3.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Cranbrook is at the same level as Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0%, while employment declined by 4.4%, resulting in a rise of 2.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8% and labour force expanded by 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Cranbrook. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Cranbrook was $46,927, with average income at $55,470. This is lower than national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, median income in Cranbrook is estimated at approximately $53,492, and average income at $63,230. Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Cranbrook between the 28th and 29th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.2% of residents (1,897 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to broader area trends at 31.7%. 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

Dwelling structure in Cranbrook, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.5% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbrook stood at 34.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented dwellings at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Cranbrook was $293, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Cranbrook's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households at 4.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

Educational qualifications in Cranbrook trail regional benchmarks show that 21.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 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. Cranbrook's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,186 students as of the latest data available. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 982) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. As of recent statistics, Cranbrook functions as an education hub with 35.9 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 16.7 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents on average being located 230 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 144 trips per day, which equates to 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 shows significant challenges in Cranbrook, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% of the total population (around 2,991 people), compared to 53.3% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.9% and 9.9% of residents respectively.

About 62.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in the rest of Queensland. Cranbrook has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.9% (1,271 people), compared to 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Cranbrook was found to be above average when compared nationally for 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. The predominant religion in Cranbrook is Christianity, comprising 57.6% of the population, compared to 52.7% across the Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (25.3%), English (25.0%), and Other (9.0%).

Notably, Filipino representation is higher in Cranbrook at 2.9%, compared to 1.1% regionally. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 6.3%, versus 5.0%. Samoan representation, however, is lower at 0.3% compared to the regional figure of 0.1%.

Cranbrook's median age exceeds the national pattern

Cranbrook has a median age of 40 years, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 14.5%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.0% to 14.5%, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.3%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.8% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Cranbrook's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 76%, reaching 267 people from 152. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 60% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.