Elanora

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

As of November 2025, Elanora's population is estimated at approximately 13,182 people. This figure reflects a growth of 643 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,539. AreaSearch validated this estimate by examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), indicating a resident population of 13,145 and two additional verified new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,456 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% to overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, Elanora is expected to grow by approximately 1,544 persons, reflecting an increase of about 11.4% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Elanora 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 moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $547,000. This financial year, $9.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Elanora's primarily residential nature. New building activity shows 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

It represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 79.0% houses. Elanora shows a mature, established area with around 1861 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Elanora to grow by 1,506 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Sophia by Mosaic - Palm Beach, and 506 Coolangatta Road Tugun Residential Development. 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 an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2%.

This is below Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 3.9% and its employment growth of 1.8%. Workforce participation in Elanora is 62.4%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and labour force by 2.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elanora's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that median income in Elanora was $51,217 and average income was $72,345. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Elanora would be approximately $58,382 and average income would be around $82,466 by the latter date. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Elanora ranked between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 31.2% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fell into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Elanora, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. 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, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $525, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Elanora's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 versus Australia's 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 constitute 76.9 percent of all households, including 35.6 percent couples with children, 26.5 percent couples without children, and 13.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.1 percent, with lone person households at 19.8 percent and group households comprising 3.3 percent 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

Educational qualifications in Elanora Trail show that 22.5% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor's degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.9% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education. Elanora Trail has two schools serving a total of 1,895 students - Elanora State High School and Elanora State School. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1040) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution.

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 on average being located 288 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 305 trips 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 in both young and old age cohorts are fairly standard. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~7,364 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.3% and 7.3% of residents respectively. 70.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% across Rest of Qld. In Elanora, 18.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,451 people). Health outcomes among seniors exceed average levels, 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 2016, had 80.7% of its population born in Australia, with 89.4% being citizens and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 50.1%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to None% across Rest of Qld.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%). Notable divergences included New Zealanders at 1.3% (vs None% regionally), Maori at 1.0% (vs None%), and Scottish at 8.8% (vs None%).

Elanora hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, which matches Rest of Qld's average but is slightly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Elanora has a higher percentage 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 age group 15 to 24 increased from 11.9% to 13.0%. Conversely, the age group 65 to 74 declined from 10.8% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Elanora's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 37%, reaching 1,916 people from 1,397. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.