Elanora

An assessment of population growth drivers in Elanora reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Elanora's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 13,419 people. This figure represents an increase of 880 individuals, a rise of 7.0% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 12,539. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,221 in June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,509 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elanora's growth rate of 7.0% since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to increase by 1,551 persons to reach approximately 14,970 people by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 10.1% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Elanora according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Elanora has received approximately 16 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 83 homes. As of FY-26, there is one recorded approval. On average, 4.9 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This has resulted in a significant demand exceeding new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $416,000. In this financial year, there have been $9.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Elanora shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 87.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current pattern of 79.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1908 people per dwelling approval, Elanora reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Elanora is projected to add 1,353 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Elanora has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 55 potential impact projects. Notable ones include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach, and The Pines Elanora Shopping Centre. Below details the most relevant projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Elanora exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Elanora has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of September 2025. The estimated employment growth over the past year is 2.1%. There are 6,949 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Elanora shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4%.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force increased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Elanora's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Elanora SA2 had a high national income level based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $54,878 and average income stood at $75,437. These figures compared to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,316 (median) and $82,913 (average). Census data showed household, family and personal incomes ranked modestly in Elanora, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income brackets indicated that 31.2% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This was consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

In Elanora, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elanora stood at 38.8%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 43.9% and rented ones comprising 17.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Elanora was $525, higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Elanora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Elanora has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.9% of all households, including 35.6% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the average of 2.5 for the Rest of Queensland.

The educational profile of Elanora exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Elanora Trail's educational qualifications lag behind national benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (16.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Elanora has 48 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 2,141 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Elanora is rated as good, with residents typically located 290 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Elanora, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.0% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 305 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Elanora's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Elanora based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with younger cohorts seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~7,595 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.3 and 7.3% of residents respectively, while 70.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,440 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Elanora, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 80.7% born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.1% of Elanora's population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notable differences existed in the representation of New Zealanders (1.3%, vs regional 0.9%), Maori (1.0%, vs 0.8%), and Scottish people (8.8%, vs 7.8%).

Elanora's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Elanora has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age decreased by 1 year from 42 years in 2016 to 41 years in 2021, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. The 35-44 age group grew from 13.6% to 15.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group declined from 10.8% to 8.9%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 13.9% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Elanora's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 438 people (29%) from 1,486 to 1,925. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.