Emu Heights (NSW)

Emu Heights has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Emu Heights (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 3,260. This figure reflects an increase of 55 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,205. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,199 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 950 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 70 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 55 to 64 age group projected to increase by 56 people.

The level of residential development activity in Emu Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Emu Heights recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval annually, with about 34 homes approved between financial years FY-21 and FY-25. In FY-26, around 21 homes have been approved so far. The average construction value of new properties is $625,000, indicating a focus on the premium market.

This year, $13.5 million in commercial approvals were registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney's regional average per person, Emu Heights has markedly lower building activity, at 66.0% below average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Nationally, the area's activity is also below average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 43.0% detached dwellings and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, providing more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 98.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Emu Heights is 1056 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, housing pressure may decrease, potentially creating buying opportunities.

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

The performance of a region can greatly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects. AreaSearch has identified seven such projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable ones include Uniting Edinglassie Village Redevelopment, Emu Plains Rail Station Upgrades, Emu Plains Bus Stop Improvements, and Regatta Park Upgrade - Emu Plains. The following list details those expected 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.

The labour market in Emu Heights shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Emu Heights has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,861 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Emu Heights is 70.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employs a particularly high share of local workers, at 1.7 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 5.8% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The area may offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.4%, with a 4.1% decline in employment, leading to a fall of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1%. State-level data from NSW as of 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, published in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Emu Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Emu Heights is $64,455 and average income is $74,974. Greater Sydney's figures are median $60,817 and average $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Emu Heights would be approximately median $70,166 and average $81,617 as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family and personal incomes in Emu Heights between the 76th and 87th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 34.5% of residents (1,124 people) earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, consistent with metropolitan region trends at 30.9%. Notably, 36.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income and residents rank in the 88th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Emu Heights' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Sydney metro had 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Heights was 32.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.9% and rented ones at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, aligning with Sydney metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $440, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Emu Heights' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.5% of all households, including 44.2% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.5%, with lone person households at 16.2% and group households comprising 0.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Emu Heights aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 30.6%. Educational participation is high, with 28.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.4% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Emu Heights has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together offer 253 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated excellent, with residents on average located 136 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 36 trips per day, which equals about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Emu Heights'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

Health data for Emu Heights shows positive outcomes, with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 57%, covering about 1,843 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.7% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Most residents, 69.5%, report no medical ailments, similar to the Greater Sydney average. Emu Heights has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.3% (498 people) compared to Greater Sydney's 14.1%. Health outcomes for seniors are above average, mirroring those of the general population.

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

Emu Heights, surveyed in August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 86.7% of residents born in Australia, 94.2% being citizens, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practised by 60.9%, compared to 57.9% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 30.2%, English 27.1%, and Irish 9.4%.

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 1.7% (regional: 2.9%), Dutch at 1.9% (regional: 1.2%), and Lebanese at 0.6% (regional: 0.8%).

Emu Heights's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Emu Heights is 38 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the age group 75-84 has grown from 4.5% to 6.5% of the population, while the age group 15-24 has increased from 13.3% to 14.5%. Conversely, the age group 35-44 has declined from 13.9% to 12.5%. By 2041, Emu Heights is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the age group 65-74, which is expected to grow by 23 people (from 247 to 304), comprising 74% of the projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 25-34 and 0-4.