Crows Nest (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Crows Nest reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Crows Nest (Qld) is around 2,296 people. This figure reflects an increase of 84 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,212 people. The current resident population estimate of 2,241 by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of additional 20 new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of approximately 23 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Crows Nest has shown consistent growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed significantly to population gains during recent periods, accounting for about 90% of overall population increases.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 where applicable. For areas not covered by ABS data or years beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a median increase of just below national regional areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 197 persons to reach approximately 2,493 people by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 11.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Crows Nest according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Crows Nest had minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually on average between 2016 and 2020 (18 approvals in total). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. It's important to note that with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Crows Nest shows significantly less construction activity than the Rest of Qld during this period, with activity levels also below national patterns. Recent development in Crows Nest has been entirely comprised of detached houses, focusing on family homes suited to those seeking rural lifestyle and space. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 1174 people between 2016 and 2020, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Crows Nest is expected to grow by 266 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

Crows Nest has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement, Proposed Inland Rail Tunnel (Gowrie to Brisbane Port), Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC), Clifford Park Special School - Relocation of Denise Kable Centre are key projects, with the following list detailing those most 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Crows Nest maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Crows Nest has a balanced workforce comprising white-collar and blue-collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 948 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, but workforce participation lags at 36.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing, with a strong specialization in the latter (2.2 times the regional level). Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force grew by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Crows Nest's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022 shows Crows Nest had a median taxpayer income of $39,046 and an average income of $47,162. Nationally, these figures are lower than average at $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated median income is approximately $44,509 and average income is $53,760. The 2021 Census reports Crows Nest's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 34.2% of Crows Nest residents earn between $400 - $799 weekly (785 individuals), contrasting with metropolitan regions where earnings peak at $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 31.7%. With 45.0% earning under $800 per week, income constraints significantly impact local spending patterns. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Crows Nest is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Crows Nest's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crows Nest was 49.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 25.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,118, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Crows Nest was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $250. Nationally, Crows Nest's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,118 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.5% of all households, including 14.3% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 15.4%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 32.6%. Educational participation is high at 29.4%, with 12.7% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Crow's Nest State School serves the area, enrolling 205 students as of a certain date. The school has an ICSEA score of 944. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. There are 8.9 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 14.3. Some students may attend schools in nearby areas due to limited local places.

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

The analysis of public transport in Crows Nest shows that there are currently 29 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a variety of bus services. There is one individual route serving these stops, collectively providing 50 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 376 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages around 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Crows Nest faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 1,053 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.4%) and mental health issues (10.4%). Conversely, 52.5% reported having no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of Qld's 63.4%. Crows Nest has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 38.8%, or 890 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 21.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Crows Nest is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Crows Nest's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.2% of its population being Australian citizens and 88.1% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, at 97.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.2%, compared to 66.9% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.0%), Australian (29.2%), and German (9.4%). Notably, French (0.6%) and Dutch (1.5%) were overrepresented in Crows Nest compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 0.9%, respectively.

Crows Nest ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Crows Nest has a median age of 57 years, which is higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 75-84 are prominent at 15.0%, while those aged 35-44 are comparatively smaller at 7.6%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 7.7% to 8.8%, while the age group 5 to 14 has declined from 9.7% to 8.0% and those aged 45 to 54 have decreased from 10.5% to 8.8%. By 2041, projections indicate significant shifts in Crows Nest's age structure. The population aged 85 and above is expected to rise substantially by 127 people (90%), from 142 to 270. Demographic aging will continue as residents aged 65 and older represent 75% of anticipated growth, while population declines are projected for the age groups 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 years old.