Emu Park
Statistical Area - sa2

Emu Park lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Emu Park's population is approximately 6,313 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 515 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,798. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,242 in June 2024 and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 154 persons per square kilometer. Emu Park's population grew by 8.9% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, surpassing both its SA4 region (6.6%) and SA3 area growth rates. Interstate migration contributed approximately 90.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas. Emu Park is expected to gain 1,968 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, representing an overall increase of 30.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Emu Park among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Emu Park granted approval for approximately 52 residential properties annually over the past five financial years, totalling 261 homes. In FY-26 so far, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents arrived per year per new home between FY-21 and FY-25. This averages out to approximately $352,000 in construction cost value for new dwellings.

In FY-26, there were $4.9 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Emu Park has 127% more building activity per person. New development consists of 76% standalone homes and 24% townhouses or apartments. There are approximately 119 people per dwelling approval.

Future projections indicate Emu Park adding 1897 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Emu Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that could affect this region. Key projects are Lifestyles By The Beach Over 50s Village, Zilzie, Seaspray Estate, Zilzie, East West Connector Project, Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) - bridges safety upgrades and targeted safety works. Relevant details are provided below.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Emu Park recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Emu Park's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with key sectors including health care & social assistance, mining, and construction. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year.

There are 2,729 residents employed, which is 1.5% higher than Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Emu Park is 48.0%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The area has a high employment specialization in mining, with a share 2.9 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 1.2% of Emu Park's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.8%, labour force grew by 5.2%, resulting in a 1.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Comparatively, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Emu Park's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1%% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Emu Park's median income is $49,966 and average income is $65,442. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $56,956 and average income is $74,597. According to the 2021 Census, Emu Park's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 14th and 14th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Emu Park spans 27.0% of locals (1,704 people) with incomes between $800 - $1,499, unlike broader trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Emu Park, with only 83.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally.

Emu Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Emu Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Park was higher at 42.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented dwellings at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Emu Park's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Emu Park has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.0% of all households, including 20.8% couples with children, 36.5% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Emu Park faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (31.9%).

Educational participation is high at 27.3%, including 11.0% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. Emu Park State School serves the area with an enrollment of 479 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity is limited locally (7.6 places per 100 residents vs 17.6 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Emu Park is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Emu Park faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

The private health cover rate stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~3,308 people). Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, impacting 11.9% and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.4% reported no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Rest of Qld. Emu Park has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.6% (1,806 people), compared to the state average of 18.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors perform better than those of the general population.

Emu Park is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Emu Park, as per the census data from 26th June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 87.9% holding citizenship, and 88.7% having been born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents.

Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 55.7% of Emu Park's population, compared to 56.3% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (30.4%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notable differences existed in the representation of Welsh (0.8% vs regional 0.4%), German (5.1% vs 4.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (4.7% vs 5.1%) groups.

Emu Park hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Emu Park's median age is 49, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 16.5% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 8.0%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.5% to 11.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.2%. By 2041, Emu Park is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 64%, adding 386 people and reaching a total of 994 from 607. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 12 residents.