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 was 6,306 as of August 2025. This represented an increase of 508 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,798. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates showing an EPP of 6,242 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totaling 96 since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 154 persons per square kilometer. Emu Park's population grew by 8.8% between the 2021 Census and August 2025, outpacing both its SA4 region (6.4%) and SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 90.9% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 where available, based on data from 2021. However, state projections lack age category splits, so proportional growth weightings are applied based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population dynamics forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas. Emu Park is expected to gain 1,968 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 30.2% over 17 years based on latest population numbers.

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

Emu Park has recorded approximately 29 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis: 149 dwellings were approved between FY20 and FY25, with 9 already recorded in FY26. On average, over these past five years, 1.9 new residents per year have been attributed to each dwelling constructed. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $438,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY26 alone, there have been $4.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Emu Park shows 133% higher construction activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice.

New building activity comprises 76% detached dwellings and 24% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 119 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Emu Park will gain 1,904 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch for this area. Key projects include Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline, East West Connector Project, Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) - bridges safety upgrades and targeted safety works, Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case.

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

Emu Park shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Emu Park has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, mining, and construction.

As of June 2025, 2729 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year. The unemployment rate is 1.6 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Emu Park lags at 48.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% of Emu Park's workforce.

Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, but labour force grew more rapidly at 5.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-wide in Queensland, as of Sep-25, employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Emu Park's industry mix suggests local employment growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Emu Park's median income in financial year 2022 was $49,966. The average income stood at $65,442 during the same period. This differs from Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,817 (median) and $73,105 (average), based on a 11.71% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Emu Park fall between the 14th and 14th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.0% of locals (1,702 people) predominantly earn within the $800 - 1,499 range, unlike regional 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 housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.1% houses and 11.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Emu Park's home ownership rate was 42.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones 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 recorded as $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Emu Park's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 making up 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 15.2%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This situation 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - 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, 8.7% in secondary, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education. Emu Park State School serves the local area with an enrollment of 479 students as of a recent report. The school demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 954) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 7.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.6, 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.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% (~3,304 people) of Emu Park's total population, exceeding the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (9.7%), with 59.4% reporting no medical ailments compared to 64.7% in Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 28.6% (1,804 people) of the population, higher than the 18.5% in Rest of Qld. 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.9% of its population being citizens and 88.7% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 97.6% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 55.7%, compared to 56.3% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestral groups were English (31.2%), Australian (30.4%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and German (5.1%) groups were slightly overrepresented in Emu Park compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 4.9%, respectively. However, the representation of Australian Aboriginal was lower at 4.7%, compared to the regional average of 5.1%.

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

Emu Park's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. 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%, compared to Rest of Qld's figures. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present day, the age group of 35 to 44 has grown from 10.5% to 11.7% of Emu Park's population. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 has declined from 12.7% to 11.2%. By 2041, Emu Park is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 64%, adding 386 people and reaching a total of 994 from the current figure of 607. The 15 to 24 age group will display more modest growth at 2%, adding only 12 residents.