Emu Park

Population growth drivers in Emu Park are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Emu Park statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,656, reflecting a growth of 375 people since the 2021 Census. The population was recorded as 2,281 in the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 16.4% rise from the previous census figure. AreaSearch estimated this resident population based on an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density stands at 121 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. The Emu Park statistical area (Lv2) has shown significant growth since the 2021 census, with a rate of 16.4%, surpassing both its SA4 region (6.7%) and SA3 area.

This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, a significant population increase is forecasted for the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, including the Emu Park statistical area (Lv2). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to increase by 763 persons over the next 17 years, reflecting an overall increase of 20.5%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Emu Park when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis indicates Emu Park had around 24 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 121 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated about 1.7 new residents. The average construction value for new homes was $438,000.

This financial year, Emu Park has seen $3.8 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Emu Park exhibits 170.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 74.0% detached dwellings and 26.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the current housing mix of 90.0% houses. With around 103 people per dwelling approval, Emu Park exhibits growth area characteristics. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Emu Park to grow by 544 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, fostering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Emu Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting the region: Lifestyles By The Beach Over 50s Village, Zilzie, and Seaspray Estate, Zilzie. Other notable initiatives include Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) bridge safety upgrades and targeted safety works, along with the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market performance in Emu Park lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Emu Park's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of September 2025.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. There are 1,050 residents in work currently, with an unemployment rate at 0.9% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 47.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Mining shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.8% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force increased by 1.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Emu Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Emu Park had a median taxpayer income of $49,885 and an average income of $65,336 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was slightly lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% suggest the median income would be approximately $54,829 and the average income $71,811 in Emu Park. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Emu Park all fall between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally. In Emu Park, 27.7% of individuals (735 people) earn within the $800 - $1,499 band, which differs from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains in Emu Park, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Emu Park, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Park stood at 47.1%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (30.2%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure too. Nationally, Emu Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Emu Park has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.3% of all households, including 20.0% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Emu Park faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (29.1%). A total of 23.1% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 8.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.1% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Emu Park is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Emu Park faces significant health challenges, with various conditions impacting both younger and older age groups.

The private health cover rate stands at approximately 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~1,410 people). Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 12.9% and 8.6% of residents respectively. However, 59.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 30.6% (812 people), compared to the state average of 18.5%.

The latest Census data sees Emu Park placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Emu Park, as per the census data from June 2016, showed a cultural diversity below average with 90.0% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Emu Park, accounting for 58.6% of the population, compared to 56.3% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (30.7%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) was overrepresented in Emu Park compared to the regional average of 0.4%, French (0.7% vs 0.3%), and Scottish (8.9% vs 7.6%) were also relatively more prominent.

Emu Park ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Emu Park is 54 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Queensland average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Emu Park at 18.8%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 8.9%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 7.9% to 8.9% of Emu Park's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 10.3% to 9.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Emu Park. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 55%, adding 139 residents to reach a total of 394. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.