Emu Plains - Leonay

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

Emu Plains - Leonay's population is 14,127 as of February 2026. This reflects a growth from 13,914 people recorded in the 2021 Census, an increase of 213 individuals (1.5%). The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 13,828 in June 2024 and 276 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,024 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts suggest lower quartile growth nationally, with the area expected to increase by 177 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a reduction of 0.9% in total over the 17 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 approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 175 homes were approved, with an additional 157 approvals in FY26 so far. Despite a decrease in population during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, which may be beneficial for buyers.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $516,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, $44.1 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Plains-Leonay shows significantly reduced construction levels, at 59.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% attached dwellings, offering a range of housing types from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options.

The location has approximately 489 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with stable or declining population forecasts, which may result in less housing pressure and favourable conditions for buyers.

Emu Plains - Leonay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly 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 deemed 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.

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. It has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. There are 7,625 residents in work, which is 2.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 38.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but professional & technical has limited presence at 5.4% compared to 11.5% regionally.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.2%, alongside a 3.8% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate fall of 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Emu Plains-Leonay's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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 on June 30, 2023, Emu Plains - Leonay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $66,511 and an average income of $77,744. These figures are higher than the national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively for Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since June 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,404 and $84,632 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, income levels in Emu Plains - Leonay cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Most locals (4,435 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, representing 31.4% of the population, which is similar to regional levels at 30.9%. A substantial proportion, 32.1%, earns more than $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses account for 14.0% of income. Residents rank in the 76th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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, had 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Plains-Leonay was at 38.7%, with the rest either mortgaged (41.9%) or rented (19.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Emu Plains-Leonay was $437, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents 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 account for 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, aligning 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 them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (28.2%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, with 10.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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 stops are served by 56 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,765 weekly passenger trips. 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 cars being the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding 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 map accompanying the analysis shows 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, which consists of around 8,193 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.2% of residents declare themselves as 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 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 2,966 people, which is higher than the 15.4% 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 has 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 is the main religion, comprising 62.4%, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney. Top ancestry groups include Australian (29.4%), English (27.9%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Maltese (1.6%) Polish (0.9%) and Dutch (1.6%) are 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 higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in Emu Plains-Leonay at 8.3%, compared to the Greater Sydney average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 11.1%. Between January 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.2% to 8.3% of the population. The 15-24 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.5%, while the 35-44 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.8% and the 5-14 group dropped from 13.8% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Emu Plains-Leonay's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 373 people (103%) from 363 to 737. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 82% 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.