Elanora

An assessment of population growth drivers in Elanora reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Elanora's population is estimated at around 13,336 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 797 people (6.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,539 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,141 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,473 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elanora's 6.4% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,544 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Elanora shows around 16 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 83 homes. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 4.9 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpaces supply.

New homes are constructed at an average value of $547,000, targeting the premium market segment. In FY26, $9.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Elanora's primarily residential nature. Building activity shows 35% detached dwellings and 65% medium to high-density housing, offering more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's current 79% houses, suggesting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Elanora has around 1861 people per approval and is forecasted to gain 1352 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Elanora has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 55 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Treetops Plaza Redevelopment - Urbia Burleigh Masterplan, and Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Elanora demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Elanora has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 6,905 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.0% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, a moderate 15.0% of residents worked from home.

Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area showed particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.4% of Elanora's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Employment levels increased by 2.1% and labour force increased by 2.3% during the year to September 2025, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Elanora. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows that Elanora's median income is $51,217 and average income is $72,345. This is higher than Queensland's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,293 (median) and $79,514 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. In the 2021 Census, Elanora's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 36th and 49th percentiles. The largest income segment in Elanora is 31.2%, earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,160 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. Income remaining after housing expenses ranks at the 48th percentile with only 82.6% of income left. Elanora's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Elanora's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.7% houses and 21.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elanora stood at 38.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.9% and rented ones at 17.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Elanora was $525, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Elanora's median monthly mortgage repayment of $2,100 is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent of $525 is substantially above the national figure of $375.

Elanora has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.9% of all households, including 35.6% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Elanora exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Elanora Trail's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks; 22.5% of its residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is notably high; 28.7% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Elanora has 48 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that collectively facilitate 2,141 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in Elanora is rated as good, with residents typically located 288 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Elanora, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.0% of Elanora's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 305 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Elanora's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Elanora's health data shows positive results, with mortality rates and health conditions comparable to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are relatively low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 56% of Elanora's total population (~7,450 people) has private health cover, higher than the Rest of Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.3%) and mental health issues (7.3%), with 70.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the Rest of Qld. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. Elanora has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,427 people), lower than the Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Elanora ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Elanora's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.7% of its population born in Australia and 89.4% being citizens. English is the language spoken exclusively at home by 94.3% of Elanora residents. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 50.1% of the population.

While Judaism comprises only 0.1% of Elanora's population, this figure is a notable increase from the 0.1% recorded across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Elanora are English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%). There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders make up 1.3% of Elanora's population compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori comprise 1.0% versus 0.8%, and Scottish residents account for 8.8% compared to 7.8%.

Elanora's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Elanora has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age in Elanora decreased by 1 year from 42 years to 41 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. The key changes show that the percentage of residents aged 35-44 increased from 13.6% to 15.3%, while the percentage of residents aged 25-34 increased from 9.5% to 11.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 decreased from 10.8% to 8.9%, and the percentage of residents aged 45-54 dropped from 13.9% to 12.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Elanora's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to experience strong growth, increasing by 435 people (29%) from 1,480 to 1,916. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 55-64 cohorts.