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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Emerald has an estimated 15,255 residents, up from 14,089 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,166 people, or 8.3%. Growth has averaged 1.3% a year over five years. 197 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Natural increase accounts for 57.8% of that increase. That puts 391 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to demographic findings from AreaSearch, the resident count for Emerald stands at approximately 15,255 as of Aug 2026. Compared to the 14,089 people recorded at the 2021 Census, this represents an addition of 1,166 people (8.3%). This overall movement is calculated utilizing the ABS estimated resident population figure of 15,238 as of June 2025 alongside 197 validated new addresses identified following the Census. With 391 persons per square kilometer, the locality maintains a low-density living environment featuring ample space per occupant and substantial capacity for future expansion. Outpacing both its broader SA4 region and the SA3 area (6.3%), Emerald's 8.3% post-2021 Census expansion places it at the forefront of regional growth.
The upward population trajectory was chiefly underpinned by natural increase, accounting for roughly 57.8% of total additions in recent periods. SA2 projections published by ABS/Geoscience Australia in 2024 (using 2022 as a base year) are incorporated into AreaSearch's modeling. For periods extending post-2032 or areas omitted from that release, Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts published in 2023 based on 2021 numbers are applied. Because these state datasets omit age cohort distributions, proportional cohort splits from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published 2023, utilizing 2022 data) are applied where necessary. Looking toward long-term demographic patterns, overall growth is forecast to track slightly under the national non-metropolitan median, with Emerald projected to add 1,436 persons to 2041 relative to current annual ERP figures, translating to an aggregate expansion of 9.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
95 new dwellings have been approved in Emerald over the past five years, an average of 19 a year. That places the area in the 50th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 1 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals across Emerald have averaged roughly 19 dwellings annually, totaling 95 homes sanctioned over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Over this identical period (between FY-22 and FY-26), an average of 9.8 people arrived locally for each residential unit constructed, demonstrating a notable shortfall in additions relative to incoming population. This imbalance tends to elevate purchaser competition and exert upward pressure on property values. In step with regional standards, the average value of newly sanctioned residential builds is $486,000. Additionally, commercial development has progressed at a moderate pace, recording $10.9 million in approved commercial activity during this financial year.
Per capita building approval numbers in Emerald align closely with Rest of Qld benchmarks, preserving balanced local market conditions comparable to adjoining areas, even as construction approvals have gathered pace recently. Approval volumes remain below national norms, reflecting an established urban landscape along with possible planning restrictions. Detached houses comprise 74.0% of new residential development approvals, while medium and high-density housing represents 26.0%, continuing the local tradition of low-density, family-oriented properties suited for buyers seeking generous land allotments. A subdued building environment is further evidenced by a ratio of 707 people per dwelling approval across the catchment. Projecting forward, Emerald's population is anticipated to expand by 1,419 residents through to 2041 (starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly release). If residential building rates continue at prevailing speeds, new accommodation may fail to match population intake, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting upward price trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Emerald
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Emerald, worth an estimated $176 million. A further 84 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $41 billion. 26 are already under construction and 26 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major infrastructure developments, planning schemes, and capital projects play a pivotal role in driving local economic performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 7 key initiatives positioned to influence the district, including the Codenwarra Road Mixed-Use Development Site, the Nogoa Rise Estate Residential Development, the 91 Gray Street Apartment Development, and the Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Upgrade, with principal works summarized in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Codenwarra Road Mixed-Use Development Site
Approved major shopping centre and mixed-use development situated opposite Central Highlands Marketplace on an 11.45 hectare site. To be developed by Development Directive Pty Ltd, the proposed centre will feature a supermarket, 8 individual retail outlets, and 268 car parking spaces. The Central Highlands Regional Council approved a rebate for a change in land use in April 2026 to facilitate the development.
Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Redevelopment
A 7 million AUD redevelopment of the 42-hectare Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens. The project features the construction of a new permanent, flood-resilient footbridge over the Nogoa River and extensive pathway upgrades to improve safety, connectivity, and accessibility for the community.
Capricorn Highway Emerald-Alpha Package Upgrades
Multi-package road upgrade program on the Capricorn Highway spanning approximately 170 kilometres between Emerald and Alpha in Central Queensland. Works include extensive pavement widening, safety barrier installations, new overtaking lanes, and intersection improvements to enhance freight efficiency and key freight corridor safety. The program is co-funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government and is delivered in staged work packages.
Nogoa Rise Estate Residential Development
Multi-stage residential estate development by Central Highlands Regional Council featuring fully serviced residential lots in Emerald's sought-after Nogoa Rise area. The development has expanded to Stages 5 and 6, offering quality residential opportunities in the growing Central Highlands region.
91 Gray Street Apartment Development
Small-scale residential apartment development featuring 11 modern residential units across 2 floors in Emerald's Central Highlands region. The project represents a modest urban infill development providing additional housing options in this regional Queensland mining and agricultural service center.
Gregory-Capricorn Highway Intersection Upgrade
Intersection upgrade at the junction of Gregory and Capricorn Highways in Emerald, involving widening approaches, installing traffic signals, and improving turning lanes. The upgrade enhances safety and reduces congestion at this critical junction serving both local and through traffic. The project also included pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
Emerald Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade
A complete refurbishment and upgrade of the Emergency Department at Emerald Hospital that officially opened in April 2024. The upgrade improves patient flow and provides better access to care closer to home. Features include improved privacy, additional clinical consultation spaces, resuscitation bays, better treatment spaces for mental health crisis patients, and a safer treatment environment.
Capricorn Highway Widening (Winton Creek to Agricultural College)
Safety upgrade to widen and rehabilitate about 2.5-2.6 km of the Capricorn Highway east of Emerald between Winton Creek and the Emerald Agricultural College. Scope included pavement widening and strengthening, wide centre line treatment, drainage works, sealing and line marking to improve safety and heavy vehicle operations. Funding reported at about $5m across the Australian and Queensland Governments, with delivery by Queensland TMR via contractor Decmil. Indicative completion: 2022.
9,470 residents of Emerald are employed, from a labour force of 9,649. Unemployment sits at 1.9%, with participation at 82.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 13,784, about 90% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Backed by substantial representation across industrial and manufacturing trades, Emerald features a highly capable workforce and a very low unemployment rate of 1.9%. The local employed cohort totals 9,470 residents as of March 2026, with the jobless rate tracking 2.1% lower than the 3.9% recorded across Regional Qld. Labor force participation is exceptionally strong at 82.1%, well ahead of the 64.2% Regional Qld figure. Census returns indicated that a modest 4.4% of workers operated from home, though historical Covid-19 lockdown conditions should be kept in mind. Local employment is predominantly concentrated within mining, retail trade, as well as education & training.
Mining in particular represents a prominent specialization, capturing a local workforce share 5.4 times higher than regional averages. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 8.1% of the Emerald workforce, lagging behind the 16.1% regional standard across Regional Qld. Comparing Census workplace locations against resident counts suggests that while local roles exist, a significant segment of residents commutes outside the boundaries for employment. AreaSearch examination of ABS and SALM figures indicates that in the year to March 2026, the local labour force contracted by 5.0% alongside a 4.1% reduction in total jobs, which reduced the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% uptick in employment, a 0.3% increase in its labour pool, and a 0.1 percentage points rise in unemployment. National outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future workforce requirements for Emerald. These five- and ten-year national estimates have been weighted against local industry shares to indicate employment trajectories. While nation-wide employment is forecast to climb by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary considerably across different sectors. Mapping these sectoral projections against Emerald's industry composition suggests local employment gains of 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years (note that this represents a simple proportional extrapolation for modeling and excludes local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Emerald is $2,190 a week (about $114,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,033 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $63,868 a year against an average of $81,213. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 reveal an average taxpayer earnings level of $81,213 and a median taxpayer income of $63,868 across the Emerald SA2. These figures are notably elevated by national standards and sit well above Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Factoring in the 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated earnings are estimated at roughly $71,123 for the median and $90,439 for the average as of March 2026. Across household, family, and personal metrics in the 2021 Census, Emerald sits in high percentiles nationally, ranging from the 77th to the 81st percentiles.
The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket forms the largest cohort, comprising 37.4% of residents (5,705 people), closely mirroring the 31.7% observed across the wider region. Furthermore, 31.0% of earners receive more than $3,000/week, confirming strong local earning power. After meeting accommodation expenses, households retain 87.3% of their income, supporting solid discretionary spending, while the overall SEIFA income score positions the area in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Emerald had 4,736 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 80% detached houses and 8% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 46% rented and 16% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,600 a month. Rent absorbs 13.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the local housing mix in Emerald consists of 80.4% separate houses and 19.5% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached units, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings throughout Regional Qld. Outright ownership in Emerald stands at 15.9%, trailing Regional Qld benchmarks, with 37.9% of properties held under a mortgage and 46.2% occupied by tenants. Typical monthly home loan payments were $1,600, sitting below the Regional Qld standard of $1,655, while weekly median rental payments were $300 compared to $345 across Regional Qld. Relative to broader national figures, Emerald residents face notably lower costs, sitting beneath the Australian median mortgage repayment of $1,863 and the national weekly rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Emerald counted 4,736 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 5,128 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the vast majority of local households at 73.1%, broken down into couples with children (36.7%), couples without children (25.3%), and single parent families (10.2%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 26.9%, consisting of single-person households (23.4%) and group shared homes (3.4%). The typical household comprises 2.7 people, exceeding the Regional Qld median household size of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.3% of adults in Emerald hold a university qualification, including 12.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 35.2% hold a vocational qualification. 10 schools serve the area, with 8,028 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 961 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
University attainment levels present a notable area for development within Emerald, as only 17.3% of residents hold higher education qualifications compared to the 30.4% Australian standard, highlighting an opportunity for tailored educational initiatives. Among degree holders, Bachelor qualifications are most prevalent at 12.6%, with postgraduate qualifications accounting for 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Conversely, vocational and technical credentials are widespread, with 43.8% of persons aged 15+ possessing trade or vocational qualifications, broken down into certificates (35.2%) and advanced diplomas (8.6%). A significant 35.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal study.
Within this learning cohort, 14.8% attend primary education, 10.7% are enrolled in secondary schooling, and 2.9% are pursuing tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Emerald means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
75.7% of residents in Emerald report no long-term health condition. 3.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators across Emerald align closely with broad national standards regarding mortality and the prevalence of chronic illnesses across younger and older age brackets. An exceptionally large portion of the community holds private health insurance, covering approximately 60% of the total population (9,137 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most frequently reported diagnoses in the locality, affecting 8.0 and 7.6% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 75.7% of the community reported having no chronic medical conditions, outperforming the Regional Qld baseline of 67.6%. Health outcomes among residents aged under 65 are above average.
Persons aged 65 and over make up 9.5% of the local population (1,452 people), well below the 20.3% observed across Regional Qld, and senior residents record above-average health ratings that place them higher nationally than the broader local community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Emerald is largely Australian-born, at 83.9% of residents, with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (29.2%) and English (28.1%). 3.7% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Emerald track below national averages, with Australian-born individuals making up 83.9% of the population, Australian citizens comprising 82.6%, and 91.0% speaking solely English at home. Christianity represents the predominant religious affiliation, claimed by 54.8% of residents compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestral backgrounds based on parents' birth countries, the primary groups represented across Emerald are Australian (29.2%), English (28.1%), and Irish (8.3%). Several other cultural backgrounds also show distinct representation, with Maori residents comprising 1.7% of the population (compared to 0.8% regionally), New Zealand ancestry at 1.2% (against 0.9%), and South Australian background at 0.8% (against 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Emerald is 32, younger than 92% of areas nationally. 30.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of Emerald is centered around family-aged households. AreaSearch estimates for August 2026 show that children and young adults (0 - 24) comprise 36.7% of the community versus 29.6% across Regional Qld, while the retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) represent 9.5% against a 20.4% regional average. The median age remains at 32 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census level and sitting 9 years lower than the Regional Qld Census median of 41, as well as below the national Census median of 38. Since the Census, the senior cohort has expanded from 7.0% to an estimated 9.5%.
Projections to 2041 indicate that the young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) will see the largest volume increase, growing by 751 residents (15%) to 5,663. In percentage terms, senior cohorts will experience the fastest growth, expanding by 38% to 2,004 residents, while younger age brackets are forecast to contract over this timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Emerald
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Sep 2026 last month all 7 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Sep 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 197 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (14,089 at the 2021 Census → 15,255 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (308011192). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.