Cranebrook (NSW)

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Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses confirmed by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Cranebrook has an estimated population of 16,036 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 257 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 15,779 people. The adjustment is calculated from a resident population of 15,996, which was estimated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density ratio of 1,072 persons per square kilometer, which is consistent with the averages of other locations evaluated by Districts. Population growth in the suburb of Cranebrook was mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 74.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Cranebrook features a balanced workforce distributed across white and blue collar jobs, with the construction sector showing particularly strong representation, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.2%, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 8,677 residents are employed, which aligns closely with the Greater Sydney unemployment rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation is standard (71.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Based on Census responses, a high 30.7% of residents worked from home, although the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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The median taxpayer income in the suburb of Cranebrook stands at $57,400 with an average of $68,051, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is consistent with national averages, in contrast to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,324 (median) and $75,074 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Cranebrook cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band contains 38.5% of the community (6,173 individuals), matching the metropolitan region where this group represents . High housing costs absorb of income, although strong earnings still place disposable income at the st percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure in Cranebrook, as measured at the latest Census, consisted of 89.8% houses and 10.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the rate of home ownership in Cranebrook was lower than that of Sydney metro, at 23.6%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (26.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly below the Sydney metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $410, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Cranebrook's mortgage payments are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 81.3% of all households, consisting of 41.5% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 17.1% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The area experiences educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.7%) significantly below the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opening for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are highly represented, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (30.6%).

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Public transport analysis shows 124 active transport stops operating in Cranebrook, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 59 individual routes, which collectively offer 1,271 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with the car remaining the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 30.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Cranebrook experiences notable health challenges, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age brackets, and the rate of private health cover is slightly ahead of the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~8,633 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

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Cranebrook is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.2% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% holding citizenship, and 89.8% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion in Cranebrook is Christianity, which represents 58.2% of people in Cranebrook. This compares to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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With a median age of 33, the suburb of Cranebrook is younger than the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and is below Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the suburb of Cranebrook has a higher proportion of 5 - 14 residents (14.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (14.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age bracket has expanded from 2.6% to 3.9% of the population, while the 65 to 74 group rose from 6.8% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 group has decreased from 15.3% to 14.3%. Population forecasts for show notable demographic shifts for the suburb of Cranebrook. The to cohort displays the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . Demographic aging continues as residents and older represent of projected growth. On the other hand, the to and to cohorts are expected to see population declines.

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Cranebrook currently has an estimated 1,154 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 678 children aged 0-2 and 452 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 5% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 5% by 2041 (to approximately 1,098 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,828. Birth rates in the area have averaged 14.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.