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 May 2026, the estimated population of Elanora is around 13,260. This figure reflects an increase of 721 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,539. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,465 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation by 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Elanora is expected to grow by 1,464 persons by then, reflecting an overall increase of 11.0% over the 16-year period.

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 indicates Elanora recorded approximately 16 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 83 homes. In FY2025-26 so far, two approvals have been recorded. The average population increase for each dwelling built in the area between FY2020-21 and FY2024-25 was 4.5 people per year. This demand outpaces supply, potentially exerting upward pressure on property prices and intensifying competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $547,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Commercial approvals registered in FY2025-26 totalled $9.1 million, reflecting Elanora's primarily residential nature. Building activity shows 35% detached dwellings and 65% medium to high-density housing, providing more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 79% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options.

Elanora has an established population density of approximately 1861 people per approval. Population forecasts suggest Elanora will gain 1464 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially exacerbating buyer competition and supporting property price increases.

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

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 56 such projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Ellandra Reserve Estate, Elanora Childcare Centre Development Site, Currumbin Eco-Parkland, and Treetops Plaza Redevelopment - Urbia Burleigh Masterplan. The following list details those most likely to be 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's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.0% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of this date, 6977 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation stood at 67.3%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.4% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population count. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6% and labour force by 2.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.0%. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising to 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Elanora. These projections estimate national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Elanora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Elanora's median income is $51,217 and average income is $72,345. This compares to Regional Queensland's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 in the same period. Using Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $57,035 (median) and $80,563 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Elanora's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 36th and 49th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 31.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. 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 Regional 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 dwellings at 17.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Elanora was recorded at $525, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Elanora's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 Regional Queensland 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, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, 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 education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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. According to a transport analysis, Elanora's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 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 residents work from home, a figure that may have been 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 residents have experienced relatively positive health outcomes, as per AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, aligning with national benchmarks.

Private health cover is very high in Elanora, with approximately 56% of the total population (~7,408 people) having it, compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.3% of residents) and mental health issues (7.3%), while 70.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The under-65 population shows better than average health outcomes. Elanora has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,466 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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, 89.4% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Elanora, comprising 50.1% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Regional Qld, with 0.1% of Elanora's population identifying as Jewish.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, New Zealanders make up 1.3% of Elanora's population compared to the regional average of 0.9%, Maori comprise 1.0% versus 0.8%, and Scottish residents are at 8.8% compared to 7.8%.

Elanora's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Elanora is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average and slightly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Elanora has a larger proportion of residents aged 35-44 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 35-44 has increased from 13.6% to 15.0%, while the age group 15-24 has risen from 11.9% to 13.2%. Conversely, the age groups 65-74 and 55-64 have decreased to 9.0% and 10.4% respectively from their previous percentages of 10.8% and 11.6%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Elanora's age structure. Notably, the age group 25-34 is projected to grow by 31%, reaching 1,820 residents from its current figure of 1,392. Conversely, the age group 15-24 is projected to decline by 128 people.