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, as of Nov 2025, Elanora's estimated population is around 13,336. This reflects an increase of 797 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,539. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 13,141 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release 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, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elanora's growth rate of 6.4% since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% 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 areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with 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. The Elanora statistical area (Lv2) is 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Elanora has recorded around 16 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 83 homes. So far in FY-26, one approval has been recorded. On average, 4.9 people have moved to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $547,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $9.1 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Elanora's primarily residential nature. Building activity shows 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 79.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse housing options.

Elanora has a population density of around 1861 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 1,352 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and price support if current development rates do not keep pace with growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 55 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are 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 projects deemed 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 an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. This rate is 1.0% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth in Elanora over the past year was estimated at 2.1%, compared to 1.7% in Rest of Qld. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at only 0.4% of Elanora's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force increased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points in Elanora. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points during this period. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that 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 projections to Elanora's employment mix suggests 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 latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Elanora is above the national average. The median assessed income is $51,217 and the average income stands at $72,345. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,293 (median) and $79,514 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Elanora rank modestly, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 31.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,160 residents), which is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Elanora, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Elanora's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.7% houses and 21.3% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' types. Home ownership in Elanora stood at 38.8%, with 43.9% of dwellings under mortgage and 17.3% rented out. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, while the median weekly rent amounted to $525. Compared nationally, Elanora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Elanora has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.7 people

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 make up the remaining 23.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people.

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

Elanora trail's educational qualifications lag behind national benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common (16.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 4.3% in 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 together facilitate 2,141 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents located an average of 288 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 305 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Elanora's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Elanora's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts are fairly standard in the area. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~7,450 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.3% and 7.3% of residents respectively. 70.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Rest of Qld. As of 2016-2020, 18.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,480 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Elanora are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Elanora, surveyed in June 2016, had a population with 80.7% born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.1%. Judaism, at 0.1%, was overrepresented compared to the regional average of None%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.3% of Elanora's population, Maori made up 1.0%, and Scottish residents accounted for 8.8%, all higher than the regional averages of None%.

Elanora's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average of 41 but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Elanora has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 35 to 44 grew from 13.6% to 15.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.0%. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 10.8% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Elanora's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 36%, reaching 1,916 people from 1,413. Conversely, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.