Emu Park

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Emu Park's population was estimated at around 2,663 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 382 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,281. The change was inferred from a resident population estimate of 2,515 by AreaSearch in June 2024, along with validation of 37 new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 122 persons per square kilometer. Emu Park's growth rate of 16.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.8%) and the SA3 area, indicating significant population increase. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 were used, based on 2021 data. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population trends forecast a significant increase for the suburb of Emu Park, with an expected rise of 767 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Emu Park had around 24 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 121 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 11 approvals. This results in approximately 103 people per dwelling approval and an average of 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value for new homes is $438,000.

In FY-26, there have been $3.8 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Emu Park has 170.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 74.0% detached dwellings and 26.0% townhouses or apartments, differing from the current housing mix of 90.0% houses. By 2041, Emu Park is expected to grow by 540 residents, with new housing supply meeting demand at current development rates.

Looking ahead, Emu Park is expected to grow by 540 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely affecting this region: Lifestyles By The Beach Over 50s Village, Zilzie; Seaspray Estate, Zilzie; Bruce Highway (Rockhampton-St Lawrence) safety upgrades and targeted works between 2017-2019; Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, starting in 2020.

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

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Emu Park shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Emu Park has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of September 2025. This rate is 0.8% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Emu Park lags behind at 50.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 7.8% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in mining, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.8%, compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.5% while labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and a smaller increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Emu Park's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 is 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, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,829 (median) and $71,811 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Emu Park fall between the 12th and 13th percentiles nationally. In Emu Park, 27.7% of individuals earn within the $800 - $1,499 band, compared to regional levels 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

Emu Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Park stood at 47.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented ones at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Emu Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus Australia's 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households making up 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%. This disparity 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 also prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 29.1%.

A substantial 23.1% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 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 lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Emu Park faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,413 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.9 and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 31.0% of residents aged 65 and over (825 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld, and national rankings are even higher than the general population.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 90.0% citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 58.6%, compared to 52.2% regionally (Rest of Qld). The top three ancestry groups were English at 31.9%, Australian at 30.7%, and Irish at 9.4%.

Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and French (0.7%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% each, while Scottish representation was slightly higher at 8.9% versus 7.8%.

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 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.2%, and the 0-4 cohort has risen from 3.7% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 8.5%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for Emu Park indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 48%, adding 127 residents to reach 394. Meanwhile, the numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 12%.