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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Cranley is around 2,575, reflecting a growth of 294 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 2,281 in the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 12.9% rise and is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,312 following examination of ABS ERP data released Jun 2024, along with an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 246 persons per square kilometer. Cranley's growth exceeded Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, the suburb of Cranley is expected to expand by 279 persons, reflecting a gain of 5.5% over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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, seven approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.5 people, suggesting balanced supply and demand.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $506,000, slightly above the regional average. Compared to Rest of Qld, Cranley shows 107.0% higher new home approvals per person, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. The dwelling mix comprises 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. There are approximately 118 people per dwelling approval in Cranley, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate Cranley will add 142 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may impact 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 relevant.

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

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

Cranley's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.5%.

Residents' employment rate was 883 while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower, at 45.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 5.9% of residents worked from home, considering potential Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 1.6% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. There were 1.8 workers per resident as at Census, indicating Cranley functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.5% while labour force grew by 3.9%, reducing unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Cranley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Cranley had a median income among taxpayers of $44,152. The average income stood at $54,251. This is below the national average. Compared to other regions, Rest of Qld had levels of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Cranley would be approximately $48,527 (median) and $59,627 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Cranley all fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 34.3% of the community (883 individuals), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing costs are modest in Cranley, with 87.0% of income retained. However, the 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

The latest Census evaluation showed that dwelling structures in Cranley consisted of 67.8% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranley was at 57.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (15.7%) or rented (27.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Cranley was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Cranley was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is 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's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (24.5%). A total of 21.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.2% in primary, 5.0% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.2% in primary education, 5.0% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cranley has two active public transport stops, both serving buses. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 112 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 592 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Cranley's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 97%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Cranley faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, with approximately 49% of Cranley's total population (~1,254 people) having it, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.0% of residents) and mental health issues (11.3%). Conversely, 50.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. Cranley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 44.8% (1,153 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.7%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 7.4% than the regional average of 4.7%. Filipino ancestry was also higher at 1.9%, compared to 0.9% regionally, and Hungarian ancestry was slightly higher at 0.3% versus 0.2% regionally.

Cranley ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Cranley's median age is 60, notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 21.2% of Cranley's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 4.9%. This concentration of those aged 75-84 is significantly higher than the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 10.8% to 13.3%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 7.6% to 5.1% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 6.5% to 4.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Cranley's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 71%, reaching 369 people from a current total of 216. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 78% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups are projected to decrease in number.