Emu Plains - Leonay

Emu Plains - Leonay has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Emu Plains-Leonay's population is approximately 13,960 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 46 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,914. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,936 in June 2025 and an additional 289 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,012 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to increase by 153 persons to 2041, reflecting an anticipated gain of 0.9% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Emu Plains - Leonay, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Emu Plains-Leonay has recorded approximately 35 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 175 homes were approved. As of FY26163 homes have been approved.

Despite a fall in population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which may be beneficial for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $516,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $44.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Plains-Leonay shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 58.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New development in Emu Plains-Leonay consists of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 88.0% houses. This shift suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 489 people per dwelling approval, Emu Plains-Leonay shows a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 129 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Emu Plains - Leonay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Emu Plains Industrial Precinct - Akura Development, Uniting Edinglassie Village Redevelopment, Winter Sports World, and Emu Plains Rail Station Upgrades. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 Emu Plains - Leonay demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Emu Plains-Leonay has an unemployment rate of 1.9% as of December 2025, with 7,517 residents employed. This rate is 2.2% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Emu Plains-Leonay is similar to Greater Sydney's at 68.8%.

According to Census responses, 38.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.4%, compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.8% alongside a 4.7% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.9%. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Emu Plains-Leonay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Emu Plains-Leonay SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $66,511 and an average of $77,744 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are high compared to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on a 10.32% increase since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $73,375 (median) and $85,767 (average). Census data shows that Emu Plains-Leonay's income distribution is at the 72nd percentile nationally. The most common income bracket in the area is $1,500 - $2,999, with 31.4% of locals earning within this range. This mirrors the regional trend where 30.9% fall into this bracket. Strong earnings are evident as 32.1% of households have weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, indicating high consumer spending power. Housing expenses account for 14.0% of income. Residents' disposable income ranks them at the 76th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Emu Plains - Leonay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Emu Plains - Leonay dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Plains - Leonay stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.9% and rented ones at 19.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area was $437, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Emu Plains - Leonay's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Emu Plains - Leonay features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 77.6% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which aligns with the Greater Sydney average.

Educational attainment in Emu Plains - Leonay aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 22.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 28.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.0%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (4.0%).

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

Emu Plains - Leonay has 150 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 56 individual routes, providing 2,765 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with car being the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 38.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 395 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Emu Plains - Leonay is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Emu Plains-Leonay faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~8,096 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.6 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,860 people), which is higher than the 15.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Emu Plains - Leonay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Emu Plains-Leonay had a cultural diversity index below average, with 84.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 62.4% of people in Emu Plains-Leonay, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.4%), English (27.9%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Maltese (1.6%) Polish (0.9%), and Dutch (1.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 0.6%, and 0.7% respectively.

Emu Plains - Leonay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Emu Plains - Leonay has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The area has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort at 8.0%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of people aged 75-84 has increased from 6.2% to 8.0%, while the 15-24 age group has risen from 12.3% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 35-44 age cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 12.1%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 13.8% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Emu Plains - Leonay's age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 377 people (107%), from 351 to 729. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.