Emu Park

Population growth drivers in Emu Park are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Emu Park is around 2,551, reflecting an increase of 270 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 2,281. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,523 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 117 persons per square kilometer. Emu Park's growth rate of 11.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.6%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It is noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Emu Park expected to increase by 758 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Emu Park has experienced approximately 25 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 128 homes. As of FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. Historically, each new dwelling constructed in Emu Park has resulted in around 1.6 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic for housing.

The average construction cost of new homes is $438,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $1.1 million, reflecting minimal commercial development activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Emu Park has 185% more building activity per person, suggesting ample choice for buyers and strong developer confidence. New developments consist of 76% detached dwellings and 24% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density character while catering to space-seeking buyers. With around 82 people per dwelling approval, Emu Park exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Emu Park is projected to add 644 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Emu Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch may affect this area: Lifestyles By The Beach Over 50s Village, Zilzie; Seaspray Estate, Zilzie; Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) bridges safety upgrades and targeted safety works; Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Emu Park recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Emu Park has a skilled labor force with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7%.

As of June 2025, 1,059 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Emu Park was 47.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, mining has a high concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.8% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while the labor force grew by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labor force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Emu Park's income level aligns with national averages according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Emu Park's median income among taxpayers is $49,885 and average income stands at $65,336, compared to Rest of Qld's figures of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $56,864 (median) and $74,477 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Emu Park all fall between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate largest segment comprises 27.7% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (706 residents), differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.7%. After housing, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at only the 15th percentile nationally.

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

In Emu Park, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 9.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Park stood at 47.1%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 30.2% and rented dwellings making up 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, matching Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $300, identical to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Emu Park's mortgage repayments were 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 make up 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, 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 29.1%.

A substantial 23.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education. Emu Park State School serves Emu Park with an enrollment of 479 students. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. It demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 954) with balanced educational opportunities.

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 affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is more prevalent here at approximately 53%, covering around 1,354 people, compared to the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.9% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%). However, 59.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, which is lower than the 64.7% reported in Rest of Qld. Emu Park has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 30.6% or 780 people, compared to the 18.5% in Rest of Qld.

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 on 28th June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 90.0% of its residents being Australian citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 58.6%, compared to 56.3% across Queensland excluding Brisbane (Rest of Qld). The top three ancestral groups were English (31.9%), Australian (30.7%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and French (0.7%) ancestry was higher than the regional average of 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively. Scottish ancestry also showed a slight overrepresentation at 8.9%.

Emu Park ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Emu Park is 54 years, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and also above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Emu Park at 18.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's average, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 7.9% to 8.9% of Emu Park's population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 9.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Emu Park. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 61%, adding 150 residents to reach 395, while numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 1%.