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

AreaSearch's analysis shows Pialba - Eli Waters' population is around 17,953 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,097 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,856 people. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 17,383 in June 2024 and an additional 769 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 959 persons per square kilometer. Pialba - Eli Waters' 13.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded non-metro area's 8.8% and national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 84.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Future population trends suggest a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with the area expected to expand by 1,605 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 5.8% 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 recorded approximately 217 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,086 homes were approved, with an additional 174 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.7 people moving to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

The market exhibits a balanced supply and demand dynamic, supporting stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $279,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $76.2 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating robust commercial development momentum. When compared to the Rest of Qld, Pialba - Eli Waters has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

This is notably higher than national averages, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes at 94.0%, with townhouses or apartments comprising 6.0%. This sustains the area's suburban identity, offering family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 76 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Pialba - Eli Waters is projected to grow by around 1,035 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Pialba - Eli Waters has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable projects include Hervey Bay Community Hub, Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road upgrade, Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection improvement, Liven Beach Road development, and The Green Lifestyle Community project. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Pialba - Eli Waters recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Pialba Eli Waters has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 5.9% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 9.3% in the past year as of September 2025.

There are 6,631 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. The workforce participation rate is significantly lower at 40.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors. There is a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The ratio of workers to residents indicates a higher than normal level of local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 9.3% and labour force grew by 10.0%, resulting in an increase of 0.6 percentage points in unemployment rate compared to Rest of Qld's growth of 1.7% in employment and 2.1% in labour force with a rise of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2022 shows that median income in Pialba - Eli Waters SA2 is $41,759 and average income is $52,502. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where median income is $50,780 and average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from July 1, 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Pialba - Eli Waters would be approximately $47,601 and average income would be around $59,847 as of September 2025. Census data shows that incomes in Pialba - Eli Waters fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 31.3% of individuals (5,619 people) earn between $400 and $799 annually, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.7% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Pialba - Eli Waters with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Pialba - Eli Waters, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pialba - Eli Waters stood at 47.7%, with mortgaged properties at 22.2% and rented dwellings at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in the area was $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Pialba - Eli Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Pialba - Eli Waters has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 68.4% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up 31.6%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of Qld average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (29.8%).

A substantial 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.6% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education.

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

Pialba-Eli Waters has 48 active public transport stops, all bus services. These stops are served by 8 routes, offering a total of 529 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is moderate, with residents located an average of 432 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run approximately 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Pialba - Eli Waters faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~8,384 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.7%) and mental health issues (9.8%). Conversely, 54.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 56.7% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.6% (6,204 people), compared to 31.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the overall 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 has a cultural diversity profile roughly similar to the wider region's average. As of August 2016, 77.8% of its population were born in Australia, 88.1% were citizens, and 92.5% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.1% of people, compared to 52.7% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (26.9%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 5.1%, while New Zealand ancestry stood at 0.8%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also slightly higher at 3.4%.

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

Pialba - Eli Waters has a median age of 52, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and well above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 14.3% of its population, compared to Rest of Qld's representation, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.4%, which is less prevalent than in Rest of Qld. This 75-84 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, Pialba - Eli Waters' population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 8.7% to 9.6%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 17.6% to 15.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Pialba - Eli Waters' age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 526 people (64%), rising from 818 to 1,345. Notably, the combined population of those aged 65 and above will account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 age cohorts.