Elanora

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

As of November 2025, Elanora's population is approximately 13,258. This figure represents an increase of 719 people from the 2021 Census count of 12,539. The growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,221 in June 2024 and two additional validated addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 1,491 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 57.6% of Elanora's recent population gains.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward, Elanora's population is projected to increase by approximately 1,551 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 11.4% over the 17-year period, as per 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 FY26, one approval has been recorded. On average, 4.9 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This high demand coupled with limited supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost for new properties is $416,000. In FY26, there have been $9.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Elanora has significantly reduced construction levels, 87.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Elanora also reflects lower construction levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 79.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1908 people per dwelling approval, Elanora indicates a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Elanora is projected to add 1514 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach, and The Pines Elanora Shopping Centre. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 performance in Elanora exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Elanora has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors and an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of September 2025. The area experienced estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year.

In September 2025, 6,949 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 62.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4% compared to 4.5% regionally.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 2.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate potential future demand within Elanora. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Elanora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

Elanora SA2's median income among taxpayers was $51,217 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $72,345 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,382 (median) and $82,466 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Elanora, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 31.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Elanora's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.7% houses and 21.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 49.8% houses and 50.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elanora was at 38.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (43.9%) or rented (17.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $525, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Elanora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

Elanora Trail's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are prominent, 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, including 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.3% 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, 8.8% 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 7 individual ones. Collectively, these routes facilitate 2,141 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Elanora is rated as good, with residents on average located 290 meters from the nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 305 trips per day, which equates to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Elanora's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Elanora's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~7,331 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.3% and 7.3% of residents respectively. 70.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Rest of Qld. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,462 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Elanora, found below average in cultural diversity, had 80.7% of its population born in Australia, with 89.4% being citizens and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 50.1%, compared to 47.9% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.3% (vs regional 1.1%), Maori 1.0% (vs 0.8%), and Scottish 8.8% (vs 8.9%).

Elanora's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average of 41 but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Elanora has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 35 to 44 grew from 13.6% to 15.0%, while the age group 25 to 34 increased from 9.5% to 10.6%. Conversely, the age group 65 to 74 declined from 10.8% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Elanora's age structure. Notably, the age group 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 36%, reaching 1,925 people from 1,410. Conversely, the age groups 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 are projected to experience population declines.