Esk

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 around 5,280 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 228 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,052 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,210 in June 2024 and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted 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 adopted 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas was expected by 2041, with the area projected to expand by 601 persons, reflecting an increase of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Esk has seen approximately 29 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 146 homes. In FY-26 to date, 13 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to around 0.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of these homes is $268,000, aligning with regional trends.

In terms of commercial development, $9.2 million in approvals have been registered this financial year. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Esk has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, and it ranks among the 59th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

This is reflected in the population density figure of around 253 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Esk is expected to grow by 531 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified six major projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include the Somerset Dam Improvement Project, Proposed Inland Rail Tunnel from Gowrie to Brisbane Port, Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, and Water for Lockyer. The following details those likely most relevant.

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

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

Esk has a balanced workforce with representation across various sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 2,056 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.2%, which is 2.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Esk lags behind Greater Brisbane at 44.8% compared to 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade, with a particularly strong specialization in the former sector, employing 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 September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Esk's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

The median income among taxpayers in Esk SA2 was $40,256 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $50,970 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income in Esk SA2 will be approximately $45,888, with an average of around $58,101, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Esk fell between the 4th and 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment in Esk comprised 30.6% of residents earning $400 - $799 weekly. This differs from metropolitan regions where the dominant income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 with 33.3%. After housing expenses, 86.2% of income remained in Esk, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

Esk's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.8% houses and 4.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area had 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Esk stood at 50.5%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 30.6% and rented dwellings making up 19.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Esk was $1,300, significantly lower than Brisbane's $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Esk was recorded at $260, substantially below Brisbane'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, including 18.7% couples with children, 38.4% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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's university qualification rate is 13.0%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (32.2%). Education pursuit is active among 21.1% of the population, with 8.1% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 21.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Esk shows that there are five active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops service a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing 26 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located at an average distance of 3344 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Across all routes, the service frequency averages approximately three trips per day, equating to about 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 impacting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% of Esk's total population (~2,449 people) has private health cover, compared to 48.5% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.3%) and mental health issues (9.5%), while 55.1% report having no medical ailments, compared to 60.9% in Greater Brisbane.

Esk has 35.5% residents aged 65 and over (1,874 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 in Esk, at 58.8%, compared to 54.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (9.6%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher than average at 8.0% versus the regional 8.8%. Dutch ancestry was slightly above the regional average at 1.4%, compared to 1.3%. However, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was lower than the regional average at 2.3%, versus 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 and higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent, making up 19.6% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years make up only 5.7%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group of 75 to 84 has grown from 10.9% to 13.2% of the population, while the age group of 45 to 54 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 those aged 85 and above is projected to expand substantially, increasing from 142 to 462 people (a growth of 319 people or 225%). Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 96% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the age groups of 45-54 years and 5-14 years are projected to see reduced numbers.