Cranbourne West (Vic.)

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Based on researchers evaluating ABS population updates for the wider area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Cranbourne West has a population estimated at around 20,239 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 270 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 19,969 individuals. The variation is deduced from the resident population of 20,211, calculated by Districts through analyzing the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 379 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,773 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national areas evaluated by Districts. Over the last ten years, the suburb of Cranbourne West has displayed robust growth trends with a 3.8% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the SA4 region. Population expansion in the area was mostly driven by natural growth that accounted for approximately 38.0% of overall population additions during recent periods, although all growth factors including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive contributors.

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Cranbourne West features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 10,340 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (72.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Cranbourne West shows a median taxpayer income of $53,144 and an average of $60,249 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,256 (median) and $66,045 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Cranbourne West cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 44.7% of the community (9,046 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Cranbourne West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.7% houses and 18.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Cranbourne West was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 12.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (64.1%) or rented (23.1%). The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Cranbourne West's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable to the national figure of $375. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,800.

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Family households dominate at 82.7% of all households, comprising 48.2% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.3%, with lone person households at 15.0% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (22.8%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (23.4%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 44 active transport stops operating within Cranbourne West comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,384 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 283 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 15.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Cranbourne West, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~10,259 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

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Cranbourne West scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 43.7% of its population born overseas and 45.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Cranbourne West was found to be Christianity, which makes up 36.2% of people in Cranbourne West. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 9.3% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.3%.

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With a median age of 33, Cranbourne West is materially younger than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Cranbourne West has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (16.6%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (5.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 10.5% to 11.6% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.3% to 15.5% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 10.0% to 8.3%. Population forecasts for indicate substantial demographic changes for Cranbourne West. The to cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach .

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Cranbourne West currently has an estimated 1,679 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 1,032 children aged 0-2 and 688 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 16% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 28% by 2041 (to approximately 2,148 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,671. Birth rates in the area have averaged 19.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).