Elanora

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Elanora's population is around 13,419 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 880 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,539 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,221 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,509 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elanora's 7.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 57.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. 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 1,551 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Elanora has experienced around 16 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 83 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $416,000. There have also been $9.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Elanora shows substantially reduced construction (87.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 79.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 1908 people per dwelling approval, Elanora reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Elanora adding 1,353 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 55 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach, and The Pines Elanora Shopping Centre, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and 2.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,022 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (67.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.4% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while the labour force increased by 2.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Elanora. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Elanora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Elanora SA2's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Elanora SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,878 and the average income stands at $75,437, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,316 (median) and $82,913 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Elanora, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.2% of the community (4,186 individuals), 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, ranking at the 48th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Elanora, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.7% houses and 21.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Elanora was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 38.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.9%) or rented (17.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $525, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Elanora's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 76.9% of all households, comprising 35.6% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people 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

Educational qualifications in Elanora trail regional benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ 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

Public transport analysis reveals 48 active transport stops operating within Elanora, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 2,141 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 290 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 15.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~7,595 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional 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% declared themselves as 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 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,440 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Elanora is Christianity, which makes up 50.1% of people in Elanora. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Elanora are English, comprising 32.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Elanora (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.0% (vs 0.8%) and Scottish at 8.8% (vs 7.8%).

Elanora's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Elanora is matching Regional Qld's average of 41 while being somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Elanora has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (15.3%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (8.9%). Following the 2021 Census, the median age has decreased by 1.0 years from 42 to 41, indicating a younger demographic shift. Key changes show the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.3% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.5% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 8.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.9% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Elanora's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 438 people (29%) from 1,486 to 1,925. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts.