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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Cranebrook is around 16,036. This figure represents an increase of 257 people from the 2021 Census count, which recorded a population of 15,779. AreaSearch's analysis of ABS data and new addresses validated since the Census indicates this growth. The resident population was estimated at 15,996 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,072 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch.

Natural growth contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Cranebrook. Population projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. These projections anticipate lower quartile growth for national areas, with Cranebrook expected to grow by 257 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 1.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Cranebrook has recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 102 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26 so far. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $393,000.

In contrast, $737,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cranebrook has significantly less development activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, the level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 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 996 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Cranebrook will gain 217 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Nepean Business Park, Nepean Business Park (Penrith Lakes Employment Lands) at 14-278 Old Castlereagh Road, Cranebrook Retail Development, and Laycock Street Residential Subdivision. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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While Cranebrook retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Cranebrook's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a notable representation, contributing to an unemployment rate of 3.8%. As of December 2025, 8,649 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is at 71.0%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. 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, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.6%, compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, Cranebrook's labour force decreased by 5.0% and employment decreased by 4.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranebrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Cranebrook had a median taxpayer income of $57,400 and an average of $68,051 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is comparable to national averages, differing from Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $63,324 and an average of $75,074, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, incomes in Cranebrook clustered around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings profile showed that 38.5% of individuals (6,173) earned between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represented 30.9%. Housing costs consumed 17.0% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 71st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Cranebrook's dwelling structures, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranebrook was at 23.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.8% and rented ones at 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cranebrook was $2,167, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Cranebrook was $410, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Cranebrook's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $410 compared to 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 making up 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 common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 30.6%. Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.8% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 together facilitate 1,271 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 178 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Cranebrook, primarily using cars, which are owned at an average rate of 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant proportion of residents, 30.7%, work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 181 trips per day, equating to roughly 10 weekly trips per stop.

A map accompanies this data, illustrating the locations of the 100 nearest stops to Cranebrook's centerpoint.

Health performance in Cranebrook is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Cranebrook faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~8,633 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Mental health issues impact 9.4% of residents, while asthma affects 9.1%. Approximately 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,068 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. 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's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 84.2% born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.2%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.4%), English (26.2%), and Irish (7.3%).

Notably, Maltese representation was higher at 3.5% compared to the regional average of 1.0%. Samoan representation was 0.6%, slightly above the regional average of 0.5%. Australian Aboriginal representation was significantly higher at 4.8%, compared to the regional average of 1.3%.

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

Cranebrook has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cranebrook has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 2.6% to 3.9%, while those aged 65-74 increased from 6.8% to 7.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 15.3% to 14.3%. Population forecasts for Cranebrook in 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 462 residents to reach a total of 2,387. Demographic aging will continue, with residents aged 65 and older representing 62% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.