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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Cranebrook statistical area (Lv2) is around 16,038. This reflects an increase of 259 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,779. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 15,954 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,072 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with the Cranebrook (SA2) expected to grow by 282 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 1.7% 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 has around 20 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 103 homes were approved, with another four approved so far in FY-26. The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $393,000.

This year has seen $737,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a primarily residential focus. Compared to Greater Sydney, Cranebrook has significantly less development activity, 79.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Cranebrook's level of new building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. The area's building activity comprises 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving its suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

There are approximately 969 people per dwelling approval in Cranebrook, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest Cranebrook will gain 266 residents by 2041 (based on 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 at Penrith Lakes Employment Lands (14-278 Old Castlereigh Road), Cranebrook Retail Development, and Laycock Street Residential Subdivision. The following list provides details on 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 employment environment in Cranebrook shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cranebrook's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with construction being notably prominent. The unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 8,885 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Cranebrook is 66.6%, exceeding Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 4.1%, and employment by 3.1%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Sydney where employment rose by 2.1%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment increased by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Cranebrook suburb has a median taxpayer income of $57,400 and an average income of $68,051 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. These figures are comparable to national averages but differ from Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, current estimates project a median income of approximately $62,486 and an average income of around $74,080, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cranebrook cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.5% of individuals (6,174 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 30.9%. In Cranebrook, housing costs consume 17.0% of income, 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

The dwelling structure in Cranebrook, as 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 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranebrook was at 23.6%, similar to Sydney metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, aligning with Sydney metro's average. 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 account for the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is 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 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, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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 121 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. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 178 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 181 daily trips across all routes, which translates to around 10 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.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (around 8,634 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Cranebrook, affecting 9.4% and 9.1% of residents respectively. About 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Greater Sydney. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,956 people), which is lower than the 14.1% in Greater Sydney. 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 population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 58.2% of Cranebrook's 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%, Samoan remained the same at 0.6%, and 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 younger than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's 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 now, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 2.6% to 3.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.8% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Cranebrook. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 85%, adding 489 residents and reaching a total of 1,067. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 63% of the population growth. However, the 0-4 and 55-64 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.