Emerald Beach

Emerald Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Emerald Beach statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,897 people. This reflects an increase of 220 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,677 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,762 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 192 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. The Emerald Beach (SA2) experienced an 8.2% growth from the 2021 census, exceeding both the SA3 area's 5.4% and the non-metro area's growth rates. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Looking ahead to population projections, a significant increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The Emerald Beach (SA2) is expected to increase by 1,120 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 35.6% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Emerald Beach when compared nationally

Emerald Beach averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25. Around 41 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26. Each home built resulted in around 5.5 new residents on average over the past five financial years.

This indicates significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new homes was $482,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $275,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of NSW, Emerald Beach had around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person as of recently, placing it among the 64th percentile nationally.

However, construction activity has intensified lately, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity comprised solely standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with detached housing. Emerald Beach had around 223 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a developing market. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,032 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Emerald Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to influence the area: 15-17 Pine Crescent & Ti-Tree Road Residential Subdivision, Seacrest Estate, PP-2023-1583 - Sandy Beach Community Hub Re-zoning, and Sandy Beach Reserve Community Hub and Active Youth Space Project. The following details those that are most relevant:.

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The labour market strength in Emerald Beach positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Emerald Beach has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,393 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Emerald Beach is at 64.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 2.6% of Emerald Beach's workforce compared to 5.3% in Rest of NSW. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while the labour force increased by 3.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Emerald Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Emerald Beach suburb's median income among taxpayers was $43,518 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $54,956 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Emerald Beach would be approximately $47,374 and $59,825 based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Emerald Beach cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.4% of residents (1,025 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income in Emerald Beach, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Emerald Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Emerald Beach's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.9% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 78.4% houses and 21.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emerald Beach was at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.9% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Emerald Beach was $463, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $370. Nationally, Emerald Beach's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $463 compared to the national figure of $375.

Emerald Beach features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.8% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.2%, with lone person households making up 16.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Emerald Beach demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 29.3%, higher than the SA4 region average of 19.8% and Rest of NSW's 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 28.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.6% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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

Emerald Beach has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that together offer 151 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 171 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 21 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Emerald Beach's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Emerald Beach residents have relatively positive health outcomes with common conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% (~1,411 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.5%). A total of 69.5% of residents declare they are completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW figure at 63.9%. As of April 2021, 18.6% of Emerald Beach residents are aged 65 and over (538 people), lower than the Rest of NSW average of 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Emerald Beach perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Emerald Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Emerald Beach, surveyed in August 2016, had a below average cultural diversity index of 74.7%. Its population was predominantly Australian-born (85.3%), citizens (90.6%), and English speakers (95.8%). Christianity was the leading religion at 42.2%, with Judaism being slightly overrepresented at 0.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (26.7%), and Scottish (9.5%). Notably, French (0.9%) and Hungarian (0.3%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Emerald Beach compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively. New Zealanders also showed a higher representation at 0.8%.

Emerald Beach's median age exceeds the national pattern

Emerald Beach has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The age group of 5-14 years makes up 16.2% of Emerald Beach's population, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the 75-84 age group constitutes 5.6%, which is lower than in the Rest of NSW region. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.5% to 5.6%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 13.6% to 11.8%. Future demographic trends indicate significant changes in Emerald Beach's age profile by 2041. Notably, the 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow by 46%, adding 195 residents and reaching a total of 618 individuals.