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

Elanora's population is approximately 13,258 as of Aug 2025. From the 2021 Census reporting a population of 12,539 people, this reflects an increase of 719 individuals (5.7%). This change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,221 as of June 2024 and two validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,491 persons per square kilometer, above the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elanora's growth rate of 5.7% since the census places it within 2.9 percentage points of non-metro areas (8.6%), 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 as 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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead at population projections, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected by Aug 2045. The area is projected to gain an additional 1,551 persons over this period, representing an overall increase of approximately 11.4%.

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. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 83 dwellings were approved, with one approval so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these five years attracted an average of 4.9 people to the area. This high demand coupled with limited new supply has led to price growth and increased buyer competition, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $547,000.

Additionally, there have been $9.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating Elanora's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Elanora has significantly reduced construction rates, 87.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Elanora also shows lower construction levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the current 79.0% houses. This change may indicate diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 1908 people per dwelling approval, Elanora reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections estimate that by 2041, Elanora will add approximately 1514 residents. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 57 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Gold Coast Heavy Rail Extension - Varsity Lakes to Gold Coast Airport, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, and Pine Lake Retirement Village Apartments. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Elanora has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 2.9%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 2.0%. By June 2025, 6,966 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation at 62.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 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 Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 2.0%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, with unemployment rising slightly. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5%, with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Elanora's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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's median income among taxpayers was $51,217 and average income stood at $72,345 in financial year 2022. This compares to Rest of Qld's figures of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. As of March 2025, estimated median income is approximately $57,215 and average income is around $80,817 based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71%. According to Census data, household, family and personal incomes in Elanora rank modestly between the 36th and 50th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 31.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. Elanora'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 structures, 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 stood at 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. Median weekly rent in Elanora was $525, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Elanora's median monthly mortgage repayment was significantly higher at $2,100 than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rent was substantially above the national figure of $375.

Elanora features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households make up 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% of the total. 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's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks; 22.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (16.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.9% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas comprise 12.1%, certificates 28.8%. Educational participation is high, at 28.7%; primary education enrollment is 10.0%, secondary 8.8%, tertiary 4.3%.

Elanora State High School and Elanora State School serve a total of 1,895 students, reflecting typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1040). Educational provision consists of 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,141 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 290 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 305 trips across all routes, 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.

Common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts are present at a fairly standard level. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% (around 7,331 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.3% and 7.3% of residents respectively. Around 70.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 18.6% (around 2,462 people) of Elanora's residents are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in the area 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 was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 80.7% having been born in the country. A significant majority, 89.4%, were citizens of Australia. The language spoken primarily at home was English, with 94.3% of residents reporting this as their preferred tongue.

Christianity was identified as the dominant religion in Elanora, comprising 50.1% of its population, compared to 47.9% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the most prevalent groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, New Zealanders made up a larger proportion in Elanora at 1.3%, compared to the regional average of 1.1%. Maori residents also constituted a higher percentage in Elanora at 1.0%, compared to the regional figure of 0.8%. The Scottish population was slightly lower than the regional average, with 8.8% in Elanora versus 8.9% regionally.

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

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, which matches Rest of Qld's average but is 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 35-44 increased from 13.6% to 15.0%, while the age group 25-34 increased from 9.5% to 10.6%. Conversely, the age group 65-74 decreased from 10.8% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Elanora's age structure. The age group 25-34 is expected to grow by 36%, reaching 1,925 people from 1,410. Conversely, the age groups 55-64 and 75-84 are projected to experience population declines.