Suburb profile · Greater Sydney
Emu Plains has an estimated 8,261 residents, up 1.7% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in Emu Plains.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Situated 52 kilometres west-northwest from Sydney CBD, the suburb of Emu Plains is set against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, alongside the recreational corridors of the Nepean River which provide popular venues for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The community is celebrated for its outdoor lifestyle, family-friendly atmosphere, sporting facilities, parks, well-regarded schools, and active dining and retail precincts. As of Aug 2026, the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of the suburb of Emu Plains is estimated at around 8,261, derived from annual SA2-level ERP releases and quarterly national address updates, showing minimal expansion since the 8,126 residents recorded at the 2021 Census.
Demographically, the suburb of Emu Plains features an older demographic profile with a median age of 41, paired with relatively modest property sales activity in relation to its population size.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Situated 52 kilometres west-northwest from Sydney CBD, the suburb of Emu Plains is set against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Mountains, alongside the recreational corridors of the Nepean River which provide popular venues for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The community is celebrated for its outdoor lifestyle, family-friendly atmosphere, sporting facilities, parks, well-regarded schools, and active dining and retail precincts. As of Aug 2026, the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of the suburb of Emu Plains is estimated at around 8,261, derived from annual SA2-level ERP releases and quarterly national address updates, showing minimal expansion since the 8,126 residents recorded at the 2021 Census.
Demographically, the suburb of Emu Plains features an older demographic profile with a median age of 41, paired with relatively modest property sales activity in relation to its population size.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 8,162 in 2006 and 8,237 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 8,261 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 15 to 24, 13.4%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 30.5%.
Emu Plains ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 82nd for employment drivers.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Emu Plains is $646 a week, up 5.2% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 18% below Greater Sydney. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 2.8%.
18% below Greater Sydney on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $485 in 2017, $700 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $404 in 2017, $595 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92 Koloona Drive, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $982,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 9 Walton Place, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,260,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 44 Sheppard Road, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,235,000 | 23 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 46 Koloona Drive, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,085,000 | 21 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 15 Grey Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,825,000 | 17 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 8 Sheppard Road, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,260,000 | 7 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 44 Gwandalan Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,350,000 | 4 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 9 Government House Drive, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,180,000 | 18 Aug 2026 | Street address |
| 25 Annett Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,300,000 | 10 Aug 2026 | Street address |
| 109 Koloona Drive, Emu Plains NSW 2750 | $1,050,000 | 4 Aug 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 36 residential sales recorded since 28 Apr 2026 (the latest settled 2 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 36, houses and units together, was $1,230,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $646 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +5.2% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 2.8% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $1.26m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $860k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $1,230,000 | Median of the 36 most recent residential sales, settled 28 Apr 2026 to 2 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $700 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +5.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $595 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +2.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 2.9% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.6% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Penrith | $636 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Penrith, over 12 months | +3.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Sydney | $789 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Sydney, over 12 months | +5.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, NSW, over 12 months | +5.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 124 tracked applications: 80 approved, 25 under assessment, 19 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Emu Plains, then export the list.
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AreaSearch tracks 6 projects in Emu Plains (2 under construction) and 51 more in the surrounding area.
Stage 2 redevelopment by Uniting NSW.ACT to deliver 147 independent living apartments across 5 buildings in Emu Plains, complementing the existing 100-bed residential aged care home. The project features 29 affordable rental housing units, a clubroom, landscaped gardens, and shared access to existing amenities like a cafe and chapel.
16.29 hectare industrial subdivision at 158-164 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains, branded as Emu Plains Industry Centre (EPIC). The project delivers 40 fully serviced freehold industrial lots ranging from 2,270 to 14,003 square metres, plus optional turnkey warehouse and office buildings from 1,460 to 7,196 square metres.
Winter Sports World features a ski slope, hotel, and recreational facilities, planned for Jamisontown, generating significant economic impact.
The Penrith Stadium Redevelopment is a 309 million dollar NSW Government project transforming the home ground of the Penrith Panthers into a modern 25,000-seat venue (with capacity for around 30,000 for concerts).
NSW Government rail infrastructure upgrades at Emu Plains Station as part of Mariyung and Regional Rail fleet projects. Infrastructure modifications to support new fleet introduction and improve accessibility.
NSW Government Bus Priority Infrastructure Program improvements to four bus stops in Emu Plains along Great Western Highway. Part of program to improve reliability of bus services on Sydney's main bus corridors. Community consultation completed May 2024.
A more than $1 billion expansion of Nepean Hospital at Kingswood in Western Sydney, delivered in two stages by Health Infrastructure NSW with the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. Stage 1 delivered a 14-storey clinical tower.
A masterplanned riverside community featuring townhouses and apartments directly opposite Regatta Park and the Nepean River, fully completed and occupied.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
A $200 million luxury mixed-use development by James Place Group featuring 173 architecturally crafted homes including apartments, terrace houses, and penthouses.
Residential development providing modern apartments close to Penrith city centre with access to shopping, dining and transport options.
The Nepean Business Park is a 47-hectare industrial and employment precinct transforming former quarry land near the Nepean River. The project features a mix of small business units and large-scale industrial lots, aimed at supporting Western Sydney's growing logistics and light industrial demand.
Proposed mixed-use development adjacent to Westfield Penrith featuring residential apartments, commercial spaces, and ground floor retail. Part of broader Penrith CBD revitalisation strategy.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 26 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 3, 2026 6, 2027 8, 2028 6, 2029 1, 2030 2. 7 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 124 substantial development applications lodged in and around Emu Plains over the past 5 years, 75 in the last 12 months; 25 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 2, 2022 12, 2023 19, 2024 6, 2025 12, 2026 (to Oct) 73.
Key application 1-3 Emerald Street, Emu Plains Aged Care | $101m | 147 dwellings Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 124 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 75 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 5.7 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 68th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 47 | ABS building approvals | 57th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 80 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 25 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Emu Plains include: Emu Plains Industry Centre (EPIC) - Akura Development (Construction); Uniting Edinglassie Village Redevelopment (Construction); Winter Sports World (Construction); Penrith Stadium Redevelopment (Construction); and Emu Plains Rail Station Upgrades (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Emu Plains spans multiple sectors including Sports & Recreation, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Business Parks & Technology Hubs, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Emu Plains recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Emu Plains area has seen 194 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Emu Plains's current population of 8,261 has been supported by 47 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Emu Plains has seen 5.7 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 6.2 approvals in Greater Sydney. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 84 people in the suburb of Emu Plains, compared to one for every 165 in Greater Sydney.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Emu Plains's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 47, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the suburb of Emu Plains has seen 233 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Emu Plains has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,261 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +1.7% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 1,017 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 52nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -0.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 8,126 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 135 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +0.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 8.12 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Emu Plains was estimated to be approximately 8,261 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 8,237 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Emu Plains has added approximately 135 people and shown a 1.66% increase from the 8,126 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Emu Plains is estimated at 1,017 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Emu Plains has shown a compound annual growth rate of -0.4% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Emu Plains is driven by: Overseas migration (54.0%), Natural increase (46.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 54.0% of overall population gains.
Emu Plains's median age exceeds the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 41 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 22.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 17.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 24.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 47.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 41 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 12.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 13.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 11.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 11.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 13.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 10.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 10.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 8.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Emu Plains at 41 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 41 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 41 years as at August 2026, Emu Plains is 4 years older than the Greater Sydney 2021 Census average (37 years) and 3 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Emu Plains compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 75 - 84 group, making up 8.6% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Emu Plains compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 11.2% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Emu Plains show significant variance compared to Greater Sydney. The most over-represented age groups are 75-84 year-olds (8.6% vs 5.3%) and 85+ year-olds (3.1% vs 2.1%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 17.7% of the population in the suburb of Emu Plains as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 22.5% of the population in the suburb of Emu Plains as at August 2026.
The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 73% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $66,064 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 75th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $76,746 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,877 | 2021 Census, weekly | 57th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $880 | 2021 Census, weekly | 64th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 28.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,341 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 22.8% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Emu Plains is approximately $70,279. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $66,064.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Emu Plains is approximately $81,642. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $76,746.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Emu Plains is approximately $70,279 compared to $67,214 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $66,064 and $63,183 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Emu Plains is approximately $81,642 compared to $92,214 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $76,746 and $86,684 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Emu Plains's households (~30.5% / 912 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Emu Plains is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 30.5% of households. In comparison, Greater Sydney's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 30.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Emu Plains is $1,877/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Emu Plains is $2,341/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Emu Plains is $880/wk.
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the suburb of Emu Plains had a median income among taxpayers of $66,064 with the average level standing at $76,746. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $63,183 and $86,684 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $70,279 (median) and $81,642 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Emu Plains is $6,899 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Emu Plains's disposable income is $6,899 compared to $7,412 for Greater Sydney, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in Emu Plains demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 64.6% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 4,337 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 7,596 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 4,408 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Emu Plains has approximately 4,337 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 1.6%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. The area ranks in the top 25% nationally for employment performance, indicating a robust job market.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Emu Plains stands at 1.6%, which is 2.5 percentage points below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Emu Plains is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are construction (13.7% of employment), health care & social assistance (13.3%), and education & training (12.4%). Other significant employers include public administration & safety and retail trade.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Emu Plains has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment increased and its unemployment rate dropped.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Emu Plains is 64.6%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Greater Sydney average of 68.9%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Greater Sydney.
The suburb of Emu Plains shows notable specialisation in construction, which employs 13.7% of the local workforce compared to 8.6% across Greater Sydney. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of Emu Plains's employment market shows strong performance nationally, ranking in the top 25% of areas assessed by AreaSearch. This indicates robust employment conditions and economic vitality compared to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 3.8% decline, ranking 32nd out of 37 regions nationally.
Educational attainment in Emu Plains sits close to the middle of locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and performance metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 14.0% | 2021 Census | 37th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 4.8% | 2021 Census | 48th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 21.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 27.9% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.2% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.8% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 40.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 28.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 4.1% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 10.1% | 2021 Census | 50th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.2% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
21.0% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Emu Plains have university qualifications, compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney.
40.2% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Emu Plains have no formal qualifications, compared to 34.2% in Greater Sydney.
The suburb of Emu Plains ranks in the 49th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Emu Plains are: Certificate (27.9%), Bachelor Degree (14.0%), Advanced Diploma (10.8%).
28.5% of the population in the suburb of Emu Plains is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.1% in primary school, 8.2% in secondary school, 4.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Emu Plains is 1018, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 5 schools within the suburb of Emu Plains, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,228 students.
The suburb of Emu Plains includes 2 primary schools, 3 secondary schools.
Emu Plains features high concentrations of single parent families but relatively few group households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Sydney.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.6 people | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 24.6% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 34.0% | 2021 Census | 62nd percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 26.3% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.5% | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 1.6% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,989 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 3,039 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 73.5% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.8 per family | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Emu Plains had 2,989 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 1.7% to an estimated 3,039 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Emu Plains is 2.6 people. This compares to 2.7 in Greater Sydney and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 73.5% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (24.6%), group households (1.6%), and other household types (0.1%).
Of the 2,197 family households, couples with children account for 34.0% of all households, couples without children at home 26.3%, and single parent families 12.5%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Sydney, the suburb of Emu Plains shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Emu Plains have an average of 1.8 children, slightly above the Greater Sydney average of 1.5. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 48.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 31.8% have never married. This compares to 48.3% married and 36.4% never married across Greater Sydney.
Single-person households represent 24.6% of all households in the suburb of Emu Plains, similar to the average for Greater Sydney of 23.2%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 1.6% of households, below the Greater Sydney average of 4.2%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
Emu Plains ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 15.9% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 7.0% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 93.0% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 91.7% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 84.1% | 2021 Census | 69th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 2.5% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
Emu Plains was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.1% of its population born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Emu Plains was found to be Christianity, which makes up 63.8% of people in Emu Plains. This compares to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Emu Plains are Australian, comprising 29.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Sydney's 17.8%, English, comprising 28.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Sydney's 19.0%, and Irish, comprising 9.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Emu Plains (vs 0.6% across Greater Sydney), Maltese at 1.3% (vs 1.0%) and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.3%).
15.9% of the suburb of Emu Plains population was born overseas, compared to 40.5% across Greater Sydney.
7.0% of the population in the suburb of Emu Plains speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 39.5% in Greater Sydney.
2.5% of the suburb of Emu Plains population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.3% in Greater Sydney.
91.7% of the suburb of Emu Plains population holds citizenship, compared to 80.8% in Greater Sydney.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Emu Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 23.1% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 40.0% | 2021 Census | 70th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 82.0% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,200 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 81st percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 37.0% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 12.4% | 2021 Census | 64th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $420 | 2021 Census, weekly | 73rd percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 22.4% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 66th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 27.0% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 74th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Emu Plains, 40.0% of homes are owned outright, 37.0% are owned with a mortgage, and 23.1% are rented.
According to the latest data, 82.0% of dwellings in the suburb of Emu Plains are houses.
In the suburb of Emu Plains, 2.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 12.4% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Emu Plains stands at 40.0%, compared to 28.7% in Greater Sydney.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Emu Plains is $2,200, compared to $2,427 in Greater Sydney.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Emu Plains is $1,234, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Emu Plains, households with mortgages typically spend 27.0% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 22.4% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Emu Plains is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Emu Plains shows mortgage holders spending 27.0% of income on repayments (vs 27.0% in Greater Sydney), while renters spend 22.4% of income on rent (vs 22.6% in Greater Sydney).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Emu Plains consists of 82.0% detached houses, 12.4% semi-detached dwellings, 2.2% apartments, and 3.3% other dwelling types.
Housing in Emu Plains consumes approximately 15.2% of median household income ($8,127 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Emu Plains show attached dwellings contributing 79% of approvals compared to 18% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 21% of applications versus 82% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. This area is seeing substantial increases in dwelling density compared to most Australian locations.
Health performance in Emu Plains is lower than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 55.5% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 61st percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 64.8% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 6.6% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 74.2% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.0% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
Around 55.5% of people in the suburb of Emu Plains are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.8% in Greater Sydney.
In the suburb of Emu Plains, 6.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.2% of people in Greater Sydney require similar assistance.
8.0% of people in the suburb of Emu Plains are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.4% of the population across Greater Sydney is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.1% of the suburb of Emu Plains population, while in Greater Sydney, 4.3% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.5% of people in the suburb of Emu Plains have heart disease. Across Greater Sydney,3.2% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Emu Plains, 55.5% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Sydney sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.8%.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 78 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 78th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 105 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 74th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 2,430 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 56th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 79 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 53 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.5 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 37.2% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 105 public transport stops within the suburb of Emu Plains.
The suburb of Emu Plains has 2,430 weekly trips across 53 routes, averaging 347 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 126 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 447 m away and the nearest GP 466 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 105 stops nearby, 2,430 weekly trips, access rating 78 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 66 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 66th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 447 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 466 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 487 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 578 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest supermarket | 793 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 818 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 841 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 3.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 5.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 4 long day care centres with 246 places in Emu Plains, about 1.9 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Emu Plains is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Emu Plains.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Emu Plains recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Emu Plains ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Emu Plains's resilient property market has recorded 113 sales in the 12 months to September 2026, comprising 80% residential, 19% commercial and 2% vacant land transactions.
Emu Plains has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch.
Emu Plains's median age exceeds the national pattern.
The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 73% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in Emu Plains demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets.
Educational attainment in Emu Plains sits close to the middle of locations nationally, based on AreaSearch's ranking of qualification and performance metrics.
Emu Plains features high concentrations of single parent families but relatively few group households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Sydney.
Emu Plains ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Emu Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Emu Plains is lower than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Emu Plains has an estimated 8,261 residents, up 1.7% since the 2021 Census, with 6 projects tracked in Emu Plains.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Emu Plains.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Jun 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL11421). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Jun 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Emu Plains from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Emu Plains with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
