Esk
Statistical Area - sa2

Esk is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Esk's population was approximately 5,280 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 228 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,052. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,210 in June 2024 and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 82.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, 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 the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts and latest population numbers, Esk is expected to increase by 601 persons to reach a total of approximately 5,881 by 2041. This represents an overall increase of about 10.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, Esk has seen approximately 29 new homes approved annually, totalling 146 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded so far. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period is 0.2. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $268,000, aligning with regional trends. Additionally, $9.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Esk has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 60th percentile of areas assessed nationally for new dwelling approvals.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 253 people per dwelling approval, Esk exhibits characteristics of a low density area. By 2041, Esk is projected to grow by 531 residents. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Somerset Dam Improvement Project, Proposed Inland Rail Tunnel (Gowrie to Brisbane Port), Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, and Water for Lockyer. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Esk faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Esk has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.3% in the past year, with an estimated growth of 0.8%.

As of June 2025, there are 2,065 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is 2.3% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Esk is 44.8%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (29.0%), health care & social assistance (17.5%), and retail trade (13.2%). The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 14.8 times the regional level.

In contrast, professional & technical services employ only 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 0.2%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Esk's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Esk's median income among taxpayers was $40,256 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $50,970 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Brisbane of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $45,888 (median) and $58,101 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Esk all fall between the 4th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 30.6% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,615 residents). This differs from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. After housing, 86.2% of income remains, ranking at only the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Esk's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.8% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had a slightly higher proportion of houses at 96.6%, with 3.4% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Esk was 50.5%, compared to Brisbane metro's lower figure of 28%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (19.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Esk was $1,300, significantly lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Esk was recorded at $260, substantially below Brisbane metro's $300 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.1% of all households, consisting of 18.7% couples with children, 38.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 13.0%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (32.2%).

A substantial 21.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.1% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education. Esk's three schools have a combined enrollment of 645 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 962).

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows five active stops in Esk, all providing bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 26 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 3344 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Esk faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% of Esk's total population (~2,449 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 48.5% and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in Esk, impacting 13.3 and 9.5% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 55.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 60.9%. Esk has a higher proportion of seniors, with 35.5% (1,874 people) aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Esk are comparable to the general population.

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

Esk's population showed low cultural diversity, with 85.6% born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 58.8%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 54.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (9.6%).

Notable differences existed in German (8.0% vs regional 8.8%) and Dutch (1.4% vs 1.3%) representation, with Australian Aboriginal at 2.3%, lower than the regional average of 3.2%.

Esk ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Esk's median age is 55 years, which is significantly older than Greater Brisbane's median age of 36 years and higher than the Australian median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 years make up a prominent 19.6% of Esk's population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise only 5.7%. This concentration of individuals aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the age group of 75 to 84 years has grown from 10.9% to 13.2% of Esk's population, while the age group of 45 to 54 years has declined from 12.9% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Esk's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The age cohort of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to expand substantially, increasing by 319 people (225%) from 142 to 462 individuals. Senior residents aged 65 years and above are expected to drive 96% of population growth in Esk, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both age groups of 45-54 years and 5-14 years are projected to see reduced numbers.