Cranebrook

Cranebrook is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cranebrook is around 16,035, reflecting an increase of 256 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.6% rise from the previous population of 15,779. AreaSearch validated this figure based on an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and the addition of 50 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,072 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed around 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for all areas from 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 299 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 1.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cranebrook recorded approximately 20 residential properties granted approval each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 103 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26 so far. The population has been declining recently, suggesting new supply is keeping up with demand, offering buyers good choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $393,000.

In FY-26, $737,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cranebrook has significantly less development activity, 79.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Cranebrook's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 969 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

Population forecasts suggest Cranebrook will gain 288 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Cranebrook has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely affecting the region. Key initiatives include Nepean Business Park, located at 14-278 Old Castlereagh Road in Cranebrook, and Laycock Street Residential Subdivision. The following list details projects of notable relevance.

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

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The employment environment in Cranebrook shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cranebrook's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a high representation. As of September 2025, 8,886 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%.

This rate is 1.0% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Cranebrook is 73.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 30.7% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction has a particularly high representation, at 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.6%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, Cranebrook's labour force decreased by 4.1% and employment decreased by 3.1%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point fall in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.1%, the labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 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 Cranebrook's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Cranebrook is $57,400, with an average of $68,051. This data was gathered by AreaSearch from the latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023. Nationally, the median income is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $62,486 and an average of $74,080, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cranebrook cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.5% of the community (6,173 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 30.9%. In Cranebrook, housing costs consume 17.0% of income, but despite this, disposable income ranks at the 71st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Cranebrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Cranebrook, evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranebrook was at 23.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Cranebrook's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.3% of all households, including 41.5% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.8% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cranebrook has 124 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 59 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,271 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 178 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from Cranebrook, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 30.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 181 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this data and displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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

Cranebrook faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~8633 people), higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (9.4%) and asthma (9.1%). Conversely, 68.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2068 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Cranebrook ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cranebrook had a lower cultural diversity compared to the average, with 84.2% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Cranebrook, accounting for 58.2%, which is higher than Greater Sydney's 49.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.4%), English (26.2%), and Irish (7.3%).

Notably, Maltese (3.5%) and Samoan (0.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal was higher at 4.8%.

Cranebrook's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Cranebrook's median age is 33, which is lower than Greater Sydney's 37 and Australia's 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cranebrook has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population share of those aged 75-84 has increased from 2.6% to 3.9%, while the share of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 15.2% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Cranebrook's population. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 26%, adding 494 residents and reaching a total of 2,419. The population aged 65 and older is anticipated to represent 60% of this growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 55-64 age groups are projected to experience population declines.