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 Nov 2025, Cranebrook's population is estimated at around 16,110. This reflects an increase of 331 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,779. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 16,043 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,077 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth is anticipated, with Cranebrook expected to grow by 260 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 1.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 had approximately 21 residential properties approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 108 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY-26 so far. The population decline over recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average value of new dwellings is $393,000, below the regional average, indicating affordable housing choices. This year, there have been $378,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting Cranebrook's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cranebrook has significantly lower building activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, building activity is also lower, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints.

New building activity consists of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Cranebrook's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The area has approximately 888 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. By 2041, Cranebrook is projected to grow by 172 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

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, located at 14-278 Old Castlereagh Road, Penrith Lakes Employment Lands; 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.

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 in Cranebrook demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Cranebrook has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably prominent.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate in Cranebrook is 3.4%, lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. There are 9,041 residents employed, with a participation rate of 66.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.6% versus the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.4%, while employment fell by 1.9%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.6% and labour force grow by 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Cranebrook's median taxpayer income was $57,400 and average was $68,051 based on AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $64,638 and average around $76,632, factoring in a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cranebrook cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.5% of individuals (6,202 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where this group represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income in Cranebrook, but strong earnings place disposable income 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

Cranebrook's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranebrook was at 23.6%, similar to Sydney metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, matching Sydney metro's average. However, the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $410, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Cranebrook's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households at 1.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

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

The Cranebrook area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 16.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 30.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education. Six schools operate within Cranebrook, educating approximately 3,270 students, and the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 986) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 20.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.6, indicating Cranebrook serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Cranebrook has 106 active public transport stops. These are all bus stops. They are served by 60 different routes which together provide 1,292 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent with residents typically located just 178 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 184 trips per day across all routes, which works out to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Cranebrook's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Cranebrook's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its general population somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts.

Approximately 54% of Cranebrook's total population (~8,673 people) have private health cover, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 9.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.4% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Greater Sydney. As of 2021, Cranebrook has 12.2% of its population aged 65 and over (1,965 people), which is lower than the 14.1% in Greater Sydney. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader 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 than average cultural diversity, with 84.2% of its residents born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Cranebrook, accounting for 58.2% of the population, compared to 57.9% 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 2.9% regionally, Samoan was also at 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginal was at 4.8%, compared to 3.6%.

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 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 2.6% to 3.6%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.8% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Cranebrook. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 84%, adding 485 residents and reaching a total of 1,065. This growth is part of an overall trend towards demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 64% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, the 0-4 and 55-64 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.