Eli Waters

Population growth drivers in Eli Waters are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Eli Waters' estimated population is around 4525 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 767 people (20.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3758 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4487 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 519 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 716 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Eli Waters' 20.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's 8.8%, along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the Eli Waters statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 338 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 1.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Eli Waters among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Eli Waters recorded around 129 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 646 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26110 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed is 0.6 over these five years, suggesting new construction matches or outpaces demand.

The average construction value for new properties is $370,000. This financial year has seen $15.2 million in commercial development approvals, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Eli Waters shows 155% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice and exceeding national averages. Recent construction comprises 94% detached houses and 6% townhouses or apartments, maintaining low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 27 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

With stable or declining population expected, Eli Waters may face reduced housing pressure, potentially creating buying opportunities.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect the region: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade. Key projects also include The Green Lifestyle Community, Maryborough - Hervey Bay Road and Pialba - Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, and Marina Square Development. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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

Eli Waters has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

The unemployment rate is 6.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 9.2% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,583 residents employed, and the unemployment rate stands at 2.6% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is significantly lower in Eli Waters, at 40.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Health care & social assistance has a particularly high share of employment, at 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.3% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the past year, employment increased by 9.2%, and the labour force grew by 10.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Eli Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Eli Waters has a lower income level compared to national averages, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Eli Waters is $41,602, with an average income of $52,305. This compares to figures for the Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Eli Waters would be approximately $45,725 (median) and $57,488 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows income levels in Eli Waters fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 32.5% of Eli Waters' population, equating to 1,470 individuals, falls within the $800 - $1,499 income range, contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Eli Waters, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Eli Waters, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.3% of dwellings were houses while 5.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This contrasted with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eli Waters stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 22.6% and rented dwellings making up 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Eli Waters was recorded at $370, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Eli Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.9 percent of all households, including 20.9 percent that are couples with children, 39.5 percent that are couples without children, and 13.8 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.1 percent, with lone person households at 21.9 percent and group households comprising 3.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Eli Waters shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (32.5%). Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.7% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates five active public transport stops within Eli Waters. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes operating collectively to provide 58 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 702 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages eight trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eleven weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Eli Waters faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 2,168 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 55.5% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 56.7%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.1%, or 1,452 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 31.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Eli Waters, surveyed in June-August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 86.3% citizens, 79.8% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 50.0%, compared to 52.7% regionally (Rest of Qld). Top ancestral groups were English (34.7%), Australian (27.6%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Noteworthy differences included Maori (1.0% vs regional 0.5%), German (4.5% vs 5.3%), and Australian Aboriginal (3.9% vs 3.3%) representation.

Eli Waters hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Eli Waters has a median age of 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly greater than the national norm of 38. The age group of 75-84 shows strong representation at 13.4%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 18.2% to 16.3%. By 2041, Eli Waters is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 15%, reaching 531 people from 461. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to see population declines.