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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of November 2025, the Crows Nest (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s estimated population is around 2,364. This reflects a growth of 152 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,212. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,283 residents in June 2024 and 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Crows Nest (Qld) experienced a growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census, exceeding both the SA4 region's 5.2% and the SA3 area's growth rates. 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 June 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Examining future population trends, a median increase is expected by 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Crows Nest (Qld) (SA2) is expected to increase by 199 persons, reflecting an overall growth of 8.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates that Crows Nest has received approximately five dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated twenty-six homes. In FY-26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 7.9 new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average value of $427,000.

Commercial approvals amounting to $43,000 this financial year reflect the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Crows Nest shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks in the 52nd percentile nationally, though recent periods have seen development activity increase. This is lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints. Recent building activity comprises solely standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 313 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts suggest Crows Nest will gain approximately two hundred residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, but increasing population could lead to growing buyer competition.

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 project likely affecting the 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 providing details on 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 well represented. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.9%. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 5.4% of Crows Nest's workforce compared to 8.3% in Rest of Qld.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 36.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities, as the Census working population is lower than the resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9% while labour force increased by 6.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Crows Nest, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows that in Crows Nest, median income is $39,046 and average income is $47,162. Nationally, these figures are lower than the median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $42,915 and average $51,836, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census reveals that incomes in Crows Nest fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows 34.2% of residents (808 people) earning $400 - 799 weekly, unlike regional trends where 31.7% earn $1,500 - 2,999. The concentration of 45.0% in sub-$800 brackets indicates economic challenges for a significant portion of the community. 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 structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Crows Nest stood at 49.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (25.0%) or rented (25.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,118, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Crows Nest was recorded at $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $250. Nationally, Crows Nest's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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, 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's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (32.6%).

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

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

Public transport analysis shows 38 active transport stops operating within Crows Nest. These are a mix of buses serving 1 route in total, providing 50 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 359 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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. Key conditions affect both younger and older residents.

Private health cover stands at approximately 46%, lower than the national average of 55.7%. Common medical issues include arthritis (14.4%) and mental health problems (10.4%). About 52.5% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 38.9%, versus 21.5% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but generally 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 below average, with 83.2% citizens, 88.1% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 62.2%, compared to 66.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (29.2%), and German (9.4%).

Notably, French (0.6%) and Dutch (1.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.2% and 0.9%, respectively. Russian ethnicity was also slightly higher at 0.3%.

Crows Nest ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Crows Nest's median age is 57 years, which is significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 years are particularly prominent, making up 15.0% of the population, while those aged 35-44 years make up only 7.6%, compared to Queensland's average. This concentration of those aged 75-84 is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of Crows Nest's population aged 15-24 has grown from 7.7% to 8.8%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has declined from 10.5% to 8.8%. The proportion of those aged 5-14 years has also dropped, from 9.7% to 8.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Crows Nest's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and over is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 124 people (an 85% increase) from 146 to 271. This demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 76% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 45-54 years and 5-14 years.