Cranbourne East - South

Cranbourne East - South lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Cranbourne East - South's population was around 15,599 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 3,310 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,289 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,599 in June 2025 and an additional 531 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,926 persons per square kilometer, placing Cranbourne East - South in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 26.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (9.3%) and national averages. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 42.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and overseas migration were also positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, exceptional growth was predicted over the period with an expected increase of 9,755 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 62.5%.

The level of residential development activity in Cranbourne East - South was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Cranbourne East - South has approved approximately 249 residential properties annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 1,248 homes were granted approval, with an additional 121 approved in FY-26 to date.

On average, about 4.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years. This demand has outpaced supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new properties is around $190,000, which is lower than regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne East - South has seen elevated construction activity, with 33.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This reflects strong developer confidence in the area despite a recent easing of construction activity. New developments consist primarily of detached houses (91.0%) and townhouses or apartments (9.0%), maintaining the suburb's suburban character while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 73 people per dwelling approval, Cranbourne East - South exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by approximately 9,746 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-suited to meet future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Cranbourne East - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Eastleigh Estate, Elmslie Common Townhomes, Adrian Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre, and Crestwood Place Estate. 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Cranbourne East - South maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Cranbourne East - South has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%. As of December 2025, 8,117 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 73.8%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 16.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area had a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 4.6% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cranbourne East - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Cranbourne East - South SA2 had a median income of $55,562 and an average income of $62,286 among taxpayers in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 for the same period. By March 2026, estimates based on a 9.62% increase from the financial year 2023 Wage Price Index suggest the median income will be approximately $60,907 and the average income will be around $68,278. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Cranbourne East - South cluster at the 61st percentile nationally. The largest segment of residents, comprising 48.2% or 7,518 individuals, earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 19.6% of income in the area, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Cranbourne East - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Cranbourne East - South, as per the latest Census, 91.5% of dwellings were houses, with 8.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cranbourne East - South stood at 13.2%, lower than Melbourne metro's rate. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (59.7%) or rented (27.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Melbourne metro average, while median weekly rent was $401 compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Cranbourne East - South's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Cranbourne East - South features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 82.2% of all households, including 50.0% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 17.8%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Cranbourne East show that 28.1% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.8% and certificates at 21.4%. Educational participation is high, with 34.0% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.4% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cranbourne East - South has 13 active public transport stops. These are mixed bus routes, totaling five individual services. Weekly passenger trips amount to 752. Transport accessibility is moderate with residents typically 593 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential and outward commuting dominates. Cars are used by 89% of residents, while trains account for 6%.

Average vehicle ownership is 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average. In 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), 16.0% of residents worked from home. Service frequency averages 107 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cranbourne East - South is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Cranbourne East South faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7861 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (7.0%) and mental health issues (6.0%). 77.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. As of 31 December 2020, 7.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (1230 people), lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Cranbourne East - South is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cranbourne East-South has high cultural diversity, with 47.3% of its population born overseas and 48.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 38.1%. The 'Other' religion category is overrepresented at 10.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3%.

In ancestry, 'Other' is highest at 25.3%, above the regional average of 14.6%. English and Australian ancestries follow at 17.3% and 16.6% respectively. Notably, Indian (12.8%), Samoan (2.0%), and Sri Lankan (1.8%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.2%, 0.3%, and 0.8% respectively.

Cranbourne East - South hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 31 years, Cranbourne East - South's median age is notably under the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne East - South has a higher concentration of 35-44 residents (20.8%) but fewer 65-74 year-olds (3.5%). This 35-44 concentration is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 8.2% to 10.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 18.8% to 20.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 20.7% to 17.3%, and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 11.8% to 9.1%. Demographic modeling suggests Cranbourne East - South's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age cohort projected to expand substantially, increasing by 1,888 people (114%) from 1,650 to 3,539.