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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of February 2026, the estimated population of Crows Nest (Qld) is around 2,370. This reflects an increase of 158 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,212. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,283 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Crows Nest's growth rate of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region at 5.3% and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. 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, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to increase by 212 persons, reflecting an increase of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Crows Nest when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Crows Nest has experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 26 homes. So far in the financial year ending June 2026 (FY-26), 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 7.9 new residents per year arrive per dwelling constructed over these five financial years, indicating supply is lagging demand and likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $427,000. In FY-26, $43,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Crows Nest shows 17.0% lower construction activity per person while it places among the 52nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 313 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Crows Nest will gain 197 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Crows Nest 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 one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects include Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement, Proposed Inland Rail Tunnel (Gowrie to Brisbane Port), Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC), and Clifford Park Special School - Relocation of Denise Kable Centre. The following list details 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.

Employment conditions in Crows Nest remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Crows Nest has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 3.9%, and a 4.0% employment growth in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 972 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, slightly below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 51.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

Home workership was low at 10.8% (Census data). Key industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing, with the latter being particularly notable at 2.2 times the regional average. Accommodation & food services is under-represented at 5.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on resident vs working population counts.

Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 4.0% and labour force by 6.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points (AreaSearch data). This contrasts with Rest of Qld's 1.7% employment growth, 2.1% labour force expansion, and 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Crows Nest's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% in five years and 13.4% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median assessed income in Crows Nest suburb is $39,046, with average income at $47,162. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $42,915 (median) and $51,836 (average). As per the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Crows Nest rank between 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 34.2% of residents (810 people) fall within the $400 - $799 weekly bracket, unlike regional trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. With 45.0% in sub-$800 brackets, economic challenges are evident for a significant portion of the community. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Crows Nest, as per the latest Census, was 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crows Nest was at 49.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.0%) or rented (25.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,118, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Crows Nest was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 educational challenges with university qualification rates at 15.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (32.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Crows Nest has 38 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route collectively offering 50 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 359 meters from the nearest stop. As a residential area, most commuters travel outwards. Cars dominate at 89%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 10.8% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 7 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Crows Nest. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,087 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.4%) and mental health issues (10.4%). Conversely, 52.5% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 67.6% in Rest of Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Crows Nest has a higher proportion of seniors, with 39.0% aged 65 and over (924 people), compared to 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 had a cultural diversity below average, with 83.2% citizens, 88.1% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity at 62.2%, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. For 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 0.5% and 1.1%, respectively. Russian was also slightly overrepresented at 0.3%.

Crows Nest ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Crows Nest's median age is 57 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 14.7%, while those aged 35-44 are comparatively smaller at 7.8% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 7.7% to 8.9%, while those aged 5-14 have declined from 9.7% to 7.3% and those aged 45-54 have dropped from 10.5% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Crows Nest's age structure. The population aged 85+ is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 106 people (70%) from 151 to 258. This aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 77% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 45-54 and 5-14.