Elanora
Statistical Area - sa2

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 since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,539. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,221 in June 2024 and two validated new addresses added since the Census date. The population density is around 1,491 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, Elanora's population is projected to increase by approximately 1,551 persons, representing an increase of around 11.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Elanora has seen approximately 16 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 83 homes. As of FY26 so far, 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 demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $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 shows substantially reduced construction levels, 87.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, this level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and suggesting 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 housing pattern of 79.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 1908 people per dwelling approval, Elanora reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show Elanora adding approximately 1514 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Elanora has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 55 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Pine Lake Retirement Village Apartments, and Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach. The following list provides details on those projects most relevant to the area.

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

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Employment conditions in Elanora demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Elanora has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of June 2025. This is 1.0% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth in Elanora over the past year was estimated at 2.0%, compared to 1.8% in Rest of Qld. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4%, compared to 4.5% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while labour force also increased by 2.0%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elanora's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Elanora's median income among taxpayers was $51,217 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. 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 reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Elanora, between the 36th and 50th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 31.2% of the community earns between $1,500 - 2,999 (4,136 individuals), which is 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 expenses, ranking at the 49th 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, was 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 38.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.9% and rented ones at 17.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Elanora 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 at $525.

Elanora features high concentrations of family households, 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 account for 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 residents aged 15+ have educational qualifications that trail Australian benchmarks. 22.5% hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.9% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 28.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.0% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education. Elanora State High School and Elanora State School serve a total of 1,895 students. These schools operate under typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 1040) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and one secondary institution.

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 totalling seven. Weekly, these routes facilitate 2,141 passenger trips in total.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 290 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 305 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts in Elanora are fairly standard. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% (7,331 people). The most common 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 the Rest of Qld. Elanora has 18.6% (2,462 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in Elanora 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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 80.7% born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 50.1%, compared to 47.9% in the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notable differences existed for New Zealanders (1.3% vs 1.1%), Maori (1.0% vs 0.8%), and Scottish (8.8% vs 8.9%) groups.

Elanora hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Elanora has a higher percentage 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 increased from 13.6% to 15.0%, while the age group 25 to 34 grew 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. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 36%, reaching 1,925 people from the current 1,410. Conversely, the age groups 55 to 64 and 75 to 84 are projected to experience population declines.