Cranley

Cranley lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Cranley's estimated population is around 2,575. This reflects a growth of 294 people since the 2021 Census, when it was reported to have 2,281 inhabitants. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,312 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024, and an additional 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 246 persons per square kilometer. Cranley's 12.9% growth since the 2021 Census exceeded the non-metro area's 8.8%, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains, with overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, the Cranley (SA2) is expected to increase by 289 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.7% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Cranley when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis indicates Cranley averaged approximately 26 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 133 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.5 people.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $506,000, slightly above the regional average. Compared to Rest of Qld, Cranley has shown 107.0% higher new home approvals per person, indicating greater choice for buyers but also a slowdown in building activity in recent years. This level is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (77.0%) and attached dwellings (23.0%), preserving Cranley's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. The area has approximately 118 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Cranley will add 147 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Cranley 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 has identified 11 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include New Toowoomba Hospital, Kearney West Estate, Toowoomba Fairways Country Club Retirement Village, and Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba. 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.

Employment performance in Cranley has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Cranley has a skilled workforce with its essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.8% in the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 890 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, which is 0.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 37.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment in Cranley is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.6% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. There are 1.8 workers for every resident, indicating Cranley functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.8%, while labour force grew by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Cranley's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Cranley's employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Cranley had a median income among taxpayers of $44,152 and an average level of $54,251. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had levels of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Cranley would be approximately $48,527 (median) and $59,627 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes in Cranley fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. Family incomes also fall within this range, as do personal incomes. Distribution data shows that 34.3% of Cranley's community earns between $800 - 1,499 (883 individuals), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 31.7%. Housing costs are modest in Cranley, with 87.0% of income retained after housing expenses. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

Cranley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Cranley were composed of 67.8% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranley was recorded at 57.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.7% and rented ones at 27.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure in Cranley was $330, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Cranley's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cranley features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.6% of all households, including 13.7% couples with children, 39.6% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Cranley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates of 18.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (24.5%).

A total of 21.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.2% in primary education, 5.0% in secondary education, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

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

Cranley has two operational public transport stops, both serving buses. One route services these stops, offering a total of 112 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is moderate, with residents typically residing 592 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 16 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cranley is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Cranley faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 49%, covering around 1,254 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 51.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.0%) and mental health issues (11.3%), while 50.8% report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Qld's 65.3%.

Cranley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 45.0% (1,158 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 18.8%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Cranley's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.6% being citizens, 83.7% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 68.0%, compared to 58.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.7%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notable divergences included German (7.4% vs regional 8.0%), Filipino (1.9% vs 0.8%), and Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.1%).

Cranley ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cranley's median age is 60, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes a strong 21.3% of Cranley's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 5.2%. This 75-84 concentration is well above Australia's national figure of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, Cranley's 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.8% to 12.8% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 7.6% to 5.4%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 6.5% to 5.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Cranley's age profile will evolve significantly. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 80% (an increase of 171 people), reaching 385 from a current figure of 213. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 76% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 age groups will see reduced numbers.