Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Emu Plains - Leonay has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
As of November 2025, Emu Plains-Leonay's population is approximately 14,476, marking a 4.0% increase since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 13,914. This growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 13,834 in June 2024 and an additional 267 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 1,049 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Emu Plains-Leonay's growth rate of 4.0% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of the SA4 region's 5.5%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area. AreaSearch adopts 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 utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with Emu Plains-Leonay expected to increase by 177 persons to 2041, reflecting a reduction of 3.2% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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, with a further 156 approved so far in FY26. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $516,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
This financial year has seen $44.1 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Plains-Leonay shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 59.0% below the regional average per person. The area's new development consists of 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from its existing housing composition of 88.0% houses. This location has approximately 489 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area with stable or declining population forecasts, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating favourable conditions for buyers.
Given stable or declining population forecasts, Emu Plains - Leonay may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Emu Plains - Leonay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones 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 most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Nepean Hospital Redevelopment
More than $1 billion multi-stage redevelopment of Nepean Hospital in Western Sydney. Stage 1 (completed 2022) delivered a new 14-storey clinical services tower with expanded emergency department, ICU, operating theatres, medical imaging, inpatient wards and more. Stage 2 (under construction, main building completion late 2026) includes a new connected 7-storey clinical building with expanded ICU, in-centre renal dialysis, nuclear medicine, cardiology, additional inpatient beds (including paediatrics), dedicated palliative care unit, new main entry and reception, Aboriginal Mudyin Family Centre, enhanced community health facilities, and a separate Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit (opening late 2025). Delivered by Health Infrastructure NSW in partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
Penrith Stadium Redevelopment
A $309 million NSW Government redevelopment transforming Penrith Stadium into a modern 25,000-seat (up to 30,000 for concerts) multipurpose venue designed by architects Populous and Tyrrell Studio. Features new eastern and western grandstands with premium seating, significantly improved accessibility (including 300% more wheelchair spaces), gender-inclusive amenities, enhanced player facilities, corporate areas, and incorporation of Dharug cultural elements through a Design with Country approach. The surrounding precinct includes remodeled community training fields with multipurpose courts and improved landscaping. John Holland is the principal contractor. Early works completed 2025; grandstands demolished August 2025; main construction ongoing for completion ahead of the 2027 NRL season.
Nepean River Masterplan Precinct (Emu Plains Side)
The Emu Plains side of the Nepean River Masterplan delivers the upgraded Regatta Park and associated foreshore works on the western bank of the river. The completed project includes the realignment of River Road, new shared paths and cycle links, improved access to the water, extensive new planting and play spaces, a pavilion with water play, river viewing platforms, kayak launch areas, upgraded parking and new amenities. It forms part of Penrith City Council's Our River program to revitalise the Nepean River precinct as a regional destination for recreation, events and tourism.
Jordan Springs Development
Master-planned community by Lendlease featuring 4,800 homes for 13,000+ residents, schools, retail center, and 900-hectare regional park with lakes, walking trails and community facilities. Award-winning development 7km from Penrith CBD.
Mayfair Penrith
A landmark mixed-use development by Urban Property Group featuring two towers (originally approved at 10 storeys for 287 apartments, with amended application for 14 storeys and 431 apartments pending approval). Designed by award-winning SJB Architects, the development includes ground-level retail spaces (3,500sqm), commercial offices (4,500sqm), and a distinctive double-height colonnade inspired by Sydney's GPO building. Features rooftop pools with Blue Mountains views and communal facilities. The project includes 15 percent affordable housing. Located directly opposite Penrith Station, representing a transit-oriented development in the North Penrith precinct. Construction commenced in 2024.
Emu Plains Industrial Precinct - Akura Development
16.29 hectare industrial subdivision delivering 40 industrial lots plus public roads and a stormwater management lot. Original DA22/0318 for subdivision was approved by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel in March 2024. Subsequent Section 4.55 modifications in 2025 enable staging of engineering works and updated lot/road and stormwater designs. Akura (with capital partners trading as Emu Plains Developments Pty Ltd) acquired the site from Penrith City Council in June 2024 and is leading delivery of industrial lots and turnkey warehouse/office facilities for manufacturing, logistics and warehousing. Focus includes remediation, earthworks, civil works, intersection upgrades and landscaped buffers along Old Bathurst Road and David Road. Ongoing works indicate the project is in active delivery with staged construction commencements.
Penrith Lakes Development
Comprehensive development of Penrith Lakes precinct including recreational facilities, water sports venues, parklands, and potential residential components. Leveraging former quarry sites for community benefit.
Uniting Edinglassie Village Redevelopment
Uniting NSW.ACT's $99 million redevelopment of Edinglassie retirement village in Emu Plains. Stage 2 will deliver 147 independent living apartments across 5 buildings, with 43 apartments (29%) as affordable housing for seniors. Builds upon residential aged care home completed in 2021. Construction commenced early 2025, creating 150-200 jobs during construction.
Employment
Emu Plains - Leonay ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance
Emu Plains - Leonay has an unemployment rate of 1.7%. As of September 2025, there are 7,625 residents employed, with the area's unemployment rate being 2.5% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.
The workforce participation rate is 63.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is particularly prominent with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 11.5%.
Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.2%, alongside a 3.8% employment decline, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force increase by 2.4%. Statewide, NSW experienced a slight employment contraction of 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Emu Plains - Leonay's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Emu Plains - Leonay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,556 and an average income of $71,601. These figures are higher than the national averages of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively for Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $69,318 and average income is around $80,630. Census figures from 2021 show that incomes in Emu Plains - Leonay cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. The predominant income bracket spans 31.4% of locals (4,545 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to regional levels at 30.9%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 32.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing costs account for 14.0% of income. Strong earnings place residents within the 76th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Emu Plains - Leonay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Emu Plains-Leonay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Plains-Leonay stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.9% and rented dwellings at 19.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Sydney metro's $2,167. Median weekly rent in Emu Plains-Leonay was $437, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Emu Plains - Leonay features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average 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 comprise the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households making up 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 them - advanced diplomas comprise 11.2% and certificates make up 28.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Emu Plains - Leonay has 134 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 56 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,539 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 143 meters from the nearest stop.
On average, there are 362 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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.
Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~8,005 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.6 and 8.2% of residents respectively. 67.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Greater Sydney. As of 30 June 2019, 20.4% of residents were aged 65 and over (2,957 people), which is higher than the 14.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 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 main religion, comprising 62.4%, compared to 57.9% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.4%), English (27.9%), and Irish (9.8%).
Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 1.6% (vs regional 2.9%), Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.7%), and Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Emu Plains - Leonay's population is slightly older than the national pattern
The median age in Emu Plains - Leonay is 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 8.0% locally compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 8.0%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 12.3% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.9%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Emu Plains - Leonay's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, increasing by 385 people (110%) from 351 to 737. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 85% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.