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, the population of Eli Waters is estimated at around 4530 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 772 people (20.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3758 people. The change was 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 546 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. The suburb's 20.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Eli Waters 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, released in 2023 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. As future population trends are examined, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected, with Eli Waters expected to increase by 345 persons to reach around 4875 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall decline of 1.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Eli Waters had around 129 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 646 homes. As of FY-26110 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.6. This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, providing buyers with more options and enabling population growth.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties in Eli Waters is $370,000. In the current financial year, $15.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Eli Waters shows 155.0% higher new home approvals per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice and is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 27 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Eli Waters should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Eli Waters has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, The Green Lifestyle Community development in Maryborough, the upgrade of the Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection, and the Marina Square Development. Below is a list detailing those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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.

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

Eli Waters has a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 6.6%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 9.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,581 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Eli Waters lags at 45.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicate that only 6.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Eli Waters has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.3% compared to 4.5% regionally.

The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a higher than average level of local employment opportunities. Over the past year, employment increased by 9.1%, and the labour force grew by 9.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points, compared to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs 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 increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on a 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 had a lower income level than average nationally in financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The median income among taxpayers was $41,602 and the average income stood at $52,305, compared to figures for Rest of Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,725 (median) and $57,488 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Eli Waters all fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 32.5% of the population (1,472 individuals) fall 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, 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, with the remaining 5.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eli Waters stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 22.6% and rented ones comprising 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Eli Waters was recorded at $370, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Eli Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.9% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 39.5% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 10.1% and certificates for 32.5%. Educational participation is high at 27.5%, including 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

The Eli Waters area has five active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by three different routes, together offering 58 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 702 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 95%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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 well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Eli Waters faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,171 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 13.6% and 10.3% of residents respectively. However, 55.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces particularly high chronic condition rates. Eli Waters has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 32.2% (1,458 people), than the rest of Queensland's 20.4%. While health outcomes among seniors are challenging, they broadly align with national rankings for the general population.

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, as per the census conducted on 27 August 2016, had a population that was predominantly Australian citizens, with 86.3% of residents holding citizenship. Born in Australia, 79.8% of Eli Waters' inhabitants were native to the country. English was spoken exclusively at home by 94.8% of the population.

Christianity was the dominant religion in Eli Waters, practiced by half (50.0%) of its residents, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, those with parents born in England constituted 34.7% of Eli Waters' population, higher than the regional average of 29.6%. Australians made up 27.6%, and those of Scottish descent comprised 7.8%. Notably, Maori heritage was more prevalent at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.8%. German ancestry stood at 4.5%, slightly lower than the regional figure of 4.7%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was present in Eli Waters and the region at an equal rate of 3.9%.

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

Eli Waters's median age of 47 years is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41, which is also considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.3% locally, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 9.0%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.7%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 18.2% to 16.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Eli Waters's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand notably, growing by 54 people (46%) from 117 to 172. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 45-54 cohorts.