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 is around 13,343 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 804 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,539 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,343 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,500 persons per square kilometer. Elanora's growth rate of 6.4% since the census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.2%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,470 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.0% in total over the 16 years.

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, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.9 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outstripping new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $416,000.

In FY-26, there have been $9.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Elanora shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 87.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current pattern of 79.0% houses. This change suggests decreasing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 1908 people per dwelling approval, Elanora reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Elanora is projected to add 1,470 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.

Future projections show Elanora adding 1,470 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Currumbin Eco-Parkland, and The Pines Elanora Shopping Centre. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

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

Elanora has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0% and it experienced an estimated 2.6% employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,022 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% lower than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is at 67.2%, slightly higher than Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.4% compared to Regional Queensland's 4.5%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force grew by 2.5%, keeping unemployment broadly stable. In comparison, Regional Queensland recorded employment growth of 0.7% and a slight rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Elanora SA2 had a high national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $54,878 and the average income stood at $75,437, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,112 (median) and $84,007 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Elanora, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 31.2% of the community (4,163 individuals), consistent with metropolitan trends showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, 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

In Elanora, as per the latest Census data, 78.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 21.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elanora stood at 38.8%, with mortgaged properties making up 43.9% and rented ones accounting for 17.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Elanora was recorded at $525, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Elanora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Elanora Trail's educational qualifications lag behind regional benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 16.2% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 12.1%, while certificates make up 28.8%. Educational participation is high in the region, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.0%), secondary education (8.8%), and tertiary education (4.3%).

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 collectively facilitate 2,141 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents located an average of 290 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound, and cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, which exceeds the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 15% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, with younger cohorts showing very low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 7,552 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.3 and 7.3% of residents respectively. Approximately 70.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,483 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional 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'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 predominant religion, accounting for 50.1%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notable differences included overrepresentation of New Zealanders at 1.3% (vs regional 0.9%), Maori at 1.0% (vs 0.8%), and Scottish at 8.8% (vs 7.8%).

Elanora's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average and slightly older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Elanora has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 35 to 44 increased from 13.6% to 15.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 11.9% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 10.8% to 9.0%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Elanora's age structure, with the 25 to 34 group expected to grow by 31% (429 people), reaching 1,828 from 1,398. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 134 people.