Pialba - Eli Waters

Population growth drivers in Pialba - Eli Waters are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Pialba - Eli Waters's population is around 17,573 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,717 people (10.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,856 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,383 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 794 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 938 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pialba - Eli Waters's 10.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 84.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,605 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 8.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Pialba - Eli Waters was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Pialba - Eli Waters has seen around 217 new homes approved each year, totalling 1,086 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26214 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.7 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $279,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $76.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Pialba - Eli Waters has similar development levels (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 76 people per approval, Pialba - Eli Waters reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Pialba - Eli Waters is expected to grow by 1,415 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Pialba - Eli Waters has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Hervey Bay Community Hub, Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, Liven Beach Road, and The Green Lifestyle Community, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Pialba - Eli Waters shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Pialba - Eli Waters has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and 8.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,656 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (47.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.3% while the labour force increased by 8.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Pialba - Eli Waters. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Pialba - Eli Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 15.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Pialba - Eli Waters SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Pialba - Eli Waters SA2's median income among taxpayers is $43,917 and the average income stands at $54,178, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,269 (median) and $59,547 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Pialba - Eli Waters all fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 31.3% of the community (5,500 individuals), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Pialba - Eli Waters, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.1% houses and 14.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Pialba - Eli Waters was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 47.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.2%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Pialba - Eli Waters's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Pialba - Eli Waters has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.4% of all households, comprising 18.4% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Pialba - Eli Waters fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (16.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (29.8%).

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 46 active transport stops operating within Pialba - Eli Waters, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 529 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 432 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Pialba - Eli Waters is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Pialba - Eli Waters, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~8,224 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.7 and 9.8% of residents, respectively, while 54.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 34.6% of residents aged 65 and over (6,076 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Pialba - Eli Waters records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Pialba - Eli Waters was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 77.8% of the population born in Australia, 88.1% being citizens, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Pialba - Eli Waters is Christianity, which makes up 53.1% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Pialba - Eli Waters are English, comprising 33.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.1% of Pialba - Eli Waters (vs 4.7% regionally), New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.9%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% (vs 3.9%).

Pialba - Eli Waters ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 52, Pialba - Eli Waters notably exceeds the Regional Qld figure of 41 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 14.1% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 9.8% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 15.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Pialba - Eli Waters's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 517 people (63%) from 827 to 1,345. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.