Emu Park

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 around 6,313 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 515 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,798 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,242 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 154 persons per square kilometer. Emu Park's growth of 8.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.6%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 90.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase is forecast for Emu Park, with an expected increase of 1,968 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 30.1% over the 17 years.

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

Emu Park has granted approximately 52 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 261 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $352,000.

This financial year has seen $4.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Emu Park records 127.0% more building activity per person. New developments consist of 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature. There are approximately 119 people per dwelling approval in Emu Park.

According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Emu Park is projected to add 1,897 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with population growth projections.

Emu Park has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects are Lifestyles By The Beach Over 50s Village in Zilzie, Seaspray Estate also located in Zilzie, East West Connector Project, Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) - bridges safety upgrades and targeted safety works.

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 had an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 0.5% over the past year. The area's unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation was significantly lower at 48.0%.

Key industries for Emu Park residents were health care & social assistance, mining, and construction. Mining employment was particularly high, with a share 2.9 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment was under-represented, at 1.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, labour force by 1.4%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and a smaller unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth varied significantly. Applying these projections to Emu Park's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Emu Park SA2's median income in financial year 2022 was $49,966, aligning with national averages. The average income stood at $65,442. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,956 (median) and $74,597 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%. According to the 2021 Census, Emu Park's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 13th and 13th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Emu Park was 27.0% (1,704 people) earning $800 - $1,499, unlike the broader area where 31.7% earned $1,500 - $2,999. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile.

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, comprised 88.1% houses and 11.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Park stood at 42.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Emu Park's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less than 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 comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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 has lower university qualification rates at 15.2%, compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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 at 10.0% and certificates at 31.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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 rate of private health cover in Emu Park is approximately 52%, compared to the average SA2 area's 48%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (9.7%). Conversely, 59.4% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Qld's 64.7%. Emu Park has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.6% (1,806 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 18.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Emu Park are better than the general population's health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Emu Park placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Emu Park's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.9% being citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 55.7%, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 56.3%. The top three ancestral groups were English (31.2%), Australian (30.4%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notable differences included Welsh representation at 0.8% in Emu Park compared to 0.4% regionally, German at 5.1% versus 4.9%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.7% versus 5.1%.

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 make up 16.5% of the population, a figure notably higher than both the Rest of Qld percentage and the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, those aged 15-24 constitute only 8.0%, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld figure. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.5% to 11.7% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.2%. By 2041, Emu Park's demographic is projected to shift significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 64%, adding 386 people and reaching a total of 994 from the current figure of 607. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group will experience modest growth of 2%, with an increase of only 12 residents.