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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Emerald (Vic.) has an estimated 5,844 residents, down from 5,890 at the 2021 Census. That puts 116 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Emerald (Vic.)'s population is estimated at around 5,844 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 46 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,890 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,833, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 116 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods. According to population projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented where needed by weighted aggregations of the Victorian government's 2023 regional forecasts, the suburb of Emerald (Vic.) is projected to undergo long-term expansion. Future gains in the suburb of Emerald (Vic.) are anticipated to track slightly below the national median. Projections indicate a growth of 477 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 8.0% over the 16 years. Age-specific growth distributions are projected forward for the years 2032 to 2041 based on these combined models.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
45 new dwellings have been approved in Emerald (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 1.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to building approval figures compiled by AreaSearch from local statistical reports, the locality averages approximately 9 residential approvals annually. This includes 45 properties approved during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, alongside 4 approvals registered during the current FY-26 period. Housing supply is keeping pace with or exceeding local demand, averaging 0.8 incoming residents per approved home over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This dynamic offers purchasers broader options and supports potential growth beyond baseline forecasts. Approved new homes carry an average construction value of $847,000, signaling developer interest in high-end, premium properties.
Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $10.8 million during the current financial year, indicating a moderate level of business development. In comparison to Greater Melbourne, residential construction in this locality is quiet, tracking 85.0% below the metropolitan per capita average. While building activity has shown a recent uptick, the generally low rate of new supply helps support demand and pricing for established residences. This rate is also below the national average, reflecting a mature market and potential planning limitations. Standalone houses represent 82.0% of recent approvals, with the remaining 18.0% consisting of medium and high-density options. This preserves the traditional low-density landscape and family-oriented housing style, contrasting with the existing housing stock which stands at 98.0% standalone houses. This shift points to a scarcity of development sites alongside changing buyer preferences and budget considerations. The ratio of 466 residents per building approval highlights the quiet pace of local development. Projections indicate the local population is set to expand by 466 residents by 2041, relative to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If current building rates do not accelerate, residential supply may not match population growth, potentially heightening competition among buyers and putting upward pressure on property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Emerald (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 8 current infrastructure and development projects close to Emerald (Vic.), worth an estimated $673 million. 3 are already under construction and 1 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, environmental & disaster management and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and urban planning decisions significantly shape regional performance. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to influence the immediate area. Key regional projects include the Dandenong Ranges Environmental Protection Program, the South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades, the Yarra Ranges Council Drainage Infrastructure Program, and the introduction of Additional VLocity Trains, with details on the most relevant works provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mount Dandenong Tourist Road Landslide Repair Works
Critical repair works to address landslide damage caused by severe weather in July 2024. Works include geotechnical stabilization, drainage infrastructure upgrades, and road surface restoration to restore full safety and functionality.
Angliss Hospital Expansion
A $112 million major redevelopment featuring a new four-storey, all-electric tower. The expansion delivers a 32-bed inpatient unit, four state-of-the-art operating theatres, a new central sterile supply department, and expanded outpatient and allied health services. Major structural works were completed in July 2025, and the project is currently in the fit-out and final construction phase to increase surgical capacity for the Knox and Yarra Ranges communities.
Hillcrest Narre Warren North
Boutique estate of 34 premium homesites ranging from 1,000m2 to over 2,000m2 in Narre Warren North, a prestigious growth corridor in Melbourne's south-east. The development was entirely pre-sold before completion.
Ellington Estate
Premium masterplanned residential community in Narre Warren North, featuring large allotments from 1,000sqm to over 4,000sqm in an established leafy setting. The estate includes 120 dwellings and is completed.
Narre Warren North Primary School Modernisation
Major upgrade and modernisation of Narre Warren North Primary School, funded with $4.5 million, to demolish Building 1 and replace it with a new permanent modular building providing state-of-the-art classrooms, administration facilities, and modern learning neighbourhoods. An Inclusive Schools Fund project for a sensory garden was also completed.
Oak Ridge Residential Estate
Premium residential estate offering 17 exclusive 800mý lots with wide frontages in semi-rural Narre Warren North. Located at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges with Green Wedge zoning protection. Features design guidelines ensuring integration with natural surroundings, close to schools, shops, parks and 35-minute commute to Melbourne CBD. Project is 50% sold with lots priced from $835,000 after cashback.
South East Melbourne Recycled Water Supply Infrastructure Upgrades
Upgrades to recycle more water in South East Melbourne for irrigation, improving water security and reducing demand for potable water amidst climate change and population growth.
Hallam North and Heatherton Road Upgrade
This major road upgrade, delivered under Victoria's Big Build, added an extra lane in each direction on Hallam North Road between Heatherton Road and James Cook Drive, replaced the roundabout at Hallam North Road and Heatherton Road with traffic lights, installed new traffic lights at Heatherton Village and Thomas Mitchell Drive, added dedicated turn lanes, new U-turn facilities, upgraded intersections, new and upgraded shared-use paths on both sides, safety barriers, street lighting, stormwater drainage, and landscaping.Construction started in April 2021 and was completed in December 2022. Contractor: Symal. Delivery authority: Major Road Projects Victoria.
3,358 residents of Emerald (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 3,427. Unemployment sits at 2.0%, with participation at 70.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,373, about 75% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local community possesses a highly skilled workforce, with the building and construction trade being notably prominent. The local unemployment rate stands at a low 2.0%, accompanied by an estimated employment expansion of 4.5% over the past year. Data from March 2026 shows 3,358 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate 2.8% lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. The labor force participation rate aligns closely with the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records show that a high proportion of employed residents (27.1%) worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are building and construction, healthcare and social assistance, and education and training. Local specialization in the construction industry is high, employing residents at 1.7 times the metropolitan rate. Conversely, professional and technical services account for 6.7% of local employment, which is lower than the Greater Melbourne level of 10.1%. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident labor force suggests that local job opportunities within the immediate area are limited. According to SALM and ABS statistics compiled for the area, the local labor market saw parallel increases of 4.5% in both the total employed population and the overall labor force over the 12-month period, keeping unemployment levels steady. This performance outpaced Greater Melbourne, where employment grew by 2.1%, the labor force expanded by 2.3%, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points. Forecasts published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 suggest future employment trends. These five and ten-year national outlooks have been applied to the local industry profile. While total national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Weighting these projections against local employment structures suggests local job numbers could increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Emerald (Vic.) is $2,119 a week (about $110,000 a year), with median personal income at $851 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,831 a year against an average of $71,611. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax statistics released for the financial year 2023 show a median taxpayer income of $52,831 and an average income of $71,611 in the area. These figures exceed national benchmarks, compared to $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) across the Greater Melbourne area. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $57,913 for median earnings and $78,500 for the average. The 2021 Census places local household, family, and individual incomes around the 66th percentile nationwide. Income distribution data indicates that 34.7% of taxpayers (representing 2,027 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan rate of 32.8%.
Residents retain 87.1% of their earnings after housing costs, pointing to strong disposable income, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 7th decile for economic advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Emerald (Vic.) had 2,012 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 1% apartments. 52% are owned with a mortgage, 8% rented and 40% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 18.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, standalone houses constituted 98.3% of the local housing stock, while apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative dwellings made up the remaining 1.7%. This contrasts with the broader metropolitan area, where houses represent 67.9% and alternative dwellings account for 32.1%. Home ownership rates are high, with 39.7% of homes owned outright, while 52.1% are mortgaged and 8.1% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment matches the metropolitan median at $2,000, whereas the median weekly rent stands at $400, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $2,000 and $390.
Locally, mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Emerald (Vic.) counted 2,012 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.8 people each. 41% are couples with children, more than in 81% of areas nationally, against 31% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of local households at 80.4%, consisting of couples with dependent children at 40.9%, couples without children at 30.8%, and single-parent households at 8.4%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 19.6%, comprising single-person households at 17.6% and group households at 1.6%. The median household size stands at 2.8 occupants, higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
26.6% of adults in Emerald (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 17.5% with a bachelor degree and 5.0% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 25.3% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,284 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,046 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The local population displays lower rates of higher education, with 26.6% of residents holding university qualifications compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Among those with university degrees, bachelor programs are the most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate studies at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational and practical training is highly prevalent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (25.3%). School and study enrollment is high, with 29.1% of the population participating in education. Primary school students account for 10.1% of residents, secondary students make up 8.6%, and tertiary students represent 3.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Emerald (Vic.) reaches 25 stops on 8 routes, timetabled for about 610 services a week. The typical home sits about 750 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 2.0 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in the area consist of 25 active stops, which are served by bus routes. These stops are connected to 8 distinct transit lines, which support 606 passenger journeys weekly. Overall public transport access is considered low, with residents living an average of 746 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and the vast majority of commuters travel outside the locality, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel for 95% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 2.0 cars, which is higher than the metropolitan average.
Additionally, 27.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect temporary public health measures. Transit schedules provide an average of 86 trips daily across the network, which translates to approximately 24 weekly services per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.7% of residents in Emerald (Vic.) report no long-term health condition. 5.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes are strong across the community, as indicated by low mortality rates and a low prevalence of chronic illness among both younger and older demographics. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is high, covering approximately 55% of residents, which equates to about 3,221 individuals. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health concerns, affecting 8.9% and 8.4% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 67.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health status among working-age residents is standard. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 22.3% of the community (totaling 1,303 people), which is higher than the metropolitan average of 15.0%.
Older residents enjoy strong health outcomes, with overall health rankings aligning with broader population trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Emerald (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 82.9% of residents, with 5.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.7%) and Australian (26.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local population exhibits lower levels of multicultural diversity compared to broader averages. Australian-born residents comprise 82.9% of the community, 91.2% hold citizenship, and 94.6% speak only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 34.4% of residents. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who make up 0.1% of the population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding parental ancestry, the three most common backgrounds are English at 32.7% (well above the metropolitan average of 20.1%), Australian at 26.5% (exceeding the regional average of 18.4%), and Scottish at 8.9%.
Other notable ethnic ancestries include Dutch, which is represented at 3.4% compared to 1.2% regionally, Welsh at 0.9% compared to 0.4%, and Hungarian at 0.4% compared to 0.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Emerald (Vic.) is 43. 19.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of local residents is 43, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 bracket (12.9%), while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 6.6% compared to the metropolitan average. Since 2021, the cohort aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.1% to 7.3%, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 11.7% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 demographic fell from 8.9% to 6.6%.
By 2041, demographic forecasts project that the 75 to 84 group will expand by 205 people (48%) from 426 to 632. Seniors aged 65 and over are expected to drive 72% of total population growth, while the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 groups are projected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Emerald (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 34 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,890 at the 2021 Census → 5,844 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20868). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.