Emu Heights (NSW)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Emu Heights (NSW) is around 3,351 people. This reflects a growth of 146 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,205. AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS ERP data from June 2024 indicate this increase. The population density is approximately 977 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Emu Heights' growth rate of 4.6% since the Census is within 0.9 percentage points of its SA4 region's 5.5%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed about 54.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 71 persons, according to these methods. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 55-64 are expected to grow, with an anticipated increase of 57 people in this group over this period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Emu Heights has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 34 homes were approved, with an additional 26 so far in FY-26. Despite a falling population during this period, new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering buyers good choice.

The average value of new properties constructed is $625,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. This financial year, $6.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Heights records markedly lower building activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 43.0% detached dwellings and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, currently 98.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 792 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

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

Emu Heights 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 7 projects likely to affect the 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 most relevant.

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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In this period, 1,912 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7 percentage points lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Emu Heights stood at 70.0%, surpassing Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries of employment among residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, construction employs a share that is 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 local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 2.5% and employment declined by 2.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.6%, labour force expansion of 2.9%, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall national employment growth of 6.6% 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Emu Heights' median income at $64,455 and average income at $74,974. Greater Sydney's figures are a median of $56,994 and an average of $80,856. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $72,583 (median) and $84,428 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data ranks Emu Heights' household, family, and personal incomes between the 76th and 87th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 34.5% of residents (1,156 people), similar to the metropolitan region's 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' residential structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Heights stood at 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 substantially 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% that are couples with children, 25.6% that are couples without children, and 12.0% that are 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, which is 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 in 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 prevalent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high at 28.6%, including 9.4% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Emu Heights Public School serves the area with an enrollment of 242 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1003). It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 7.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport in Emu Heights shows that there are currently 23 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of bus services. There are 17 individual routes servicing these stops, which collectively provide a total of 257 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 136 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 shows relatively positive outcomes for Emu Heights residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 57% (~1,894 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to 53.8% in Greater Sydney. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.7 and 8.6% of residents respectively. Around 69.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 69.5% across Greater Sydney. As of 2021, 15.3% (512 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 14.1% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 86.7% of residents born in Australia and 94.2% being Australian citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 94.4%. Christianity dominated religious beliefs, practiced by 60.9%, slightly higher than Greater Sydney's 57.9%.

Ancestral origins revealed Australians as the largest group (30.2%), followed by English (27.1%) and Irish (9.4%). Notable disparities existed in Maltese (1.7% vs regional 2.9%), Dutch (1.9% vs 1.2%), and Lebanese (0.6% vs 0.8%) populations.

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 percentage of residents aged 55-64 (12.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 4.5% to 6.5%, while the 15-24 age group has risen from 13.3% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.5%. By 2041, Emu Heights is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 19%, reaching 304 people from 254. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 79% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.