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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
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 comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Emu Plains has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
The population of the Emu Plains statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 8,159 as of November 2025, according to an analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This figure represents a rise of 33 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,126. The increase is inferred from a resident population estimate of 7,994 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 248 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,004 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.
AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth for national areas, with the Emu Plains (SA2) expected to expand by 229 persons to reach a total of 8,387 by 2041. This reflects an increase of approximately 2.0% in total over the 17-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Emu Plains, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Emu Plains has had approximately 17 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY21 and FY25, about 88 homes were approved, with a further 107 approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.
The average construction cost value for new properties is $625,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This financial year, Emu Plains has seen $12.1 million in commercial approvals, showing steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Plains has 65.0% lower building activity per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent periods have seen increased development activity, with 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% townhouses or apartments approved.
The area currently has approximately 360 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Emu Plains to add 167 residents by 2041 at current development rates, comfortably meeting demand for new housing supply.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Emu Plains has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Emu Plains Industrial Precinct - Akura Development, Uniting Edinglassie Village Redevelopment, Winter Sports World, and Penrith Stadium Redevelopment. Below is a list of those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Nepean Hospital Redevelopment
A major multi-stage expansion of Nepean Hospital. Stage 1 (completed 2021) delivered a 14-storey clinical tower including an expanded Emergency Department, 16 operating theatres, and ICU. Stage 2 is currently in the internal fit-out phase and involves a new 7-storey clinical building connected to the Stage 1 tower. Key features of Stage 2 include an expanded ICU, renal dialysis, cardiology, medical imaging, and nuclear medicine. The project also delivered the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit (completed early 2026) and is constructing a dedicated Palliative Care Unit on Level 7 of the new building.
Penrith Stadium Redevelopment
A $309 million NSW Government project transforming Penrith Stadium into a 25,000-seat (30,000 for concerts) multipurpose venue. The redevelopment features new western and eastern grandstands with steeper seating for better views, 300% more wheelchair spaces, and four new gender-inclusive change rooms. As of February 2026, construction is progressing with the installation of precast concrete volumetric cores in the western grandstand using innovative lifting technology. The surrounding precinct includes a remodeled training field and multipurpose community courts, with the project slated for completion before the 2027 NRL season.
Nepean River Masterplan Precinct (Emu Plains Side)
The Emu Plains side of the Nepean River Masterplan delivers the upgraded Regatta Park and associated foreshore works on the western bank of the river. The completed project includes the realignment of River Road, new shared paths and cycle links, improved access to the water, extensive new planting and play spaces, a pavilion with water play, river viewing platforms, kayak launch areas, upgraded parking and new amenities. It forms part of Penrith City Council's Our River program to revitalise the Nepean River precinct as a regional destination for recreation, events and tourism.
Jordan Springs Development
Master-planned community by Lendlease featuring 4,800 homes for 13,000+ residents, schools, retail center, and 900-hectare regional park with lakes, walking trails and community facilities. Award-winning development 7km from Penrith CBD.
Mayfair Penrith
A landmark mixed-use development by Urban Property Group featuring two towers (originally approved at 10 storeys for 287 apartments, with amended application for 14 storeys and 431 apartments pending approval). Designed by award-winning SJB Architects, the development includes ground-level retail spaces (3,500sqm), commercial offices (4,500sqm), and a distinctive double-height colonnade inspired by Sydney's GPO building. Features rooftop pools with Blue Mountains views and communal facilities. The project includes 15 percent affordable housing. Located directly opposite Penrith Station, representing a transit-oriented development in the North Penrith precinct. Construction commenced in 2024.
Emu Plains Industrial Precinct - Akura Development
16.29 hectare industrial subdivision delivering 40 industrial lots plus public roads and a stormwater management lot. Original DA22/0318 for subdivision was approved by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel in March 2024. Subsequent Section 4.55 modifications in 2025 enable staging of engineering works and updated lot/road and stormwater designs. Akura (with capital partners trading as Emu Plains Developments Pty Ltd) acquired the site from Penrith City Council in June 2024 and is leading delivery of industrial lots and turnkey warehouse/office facilities for manufacturing, logistics and warehousing. Focus includes remediation, earthworks, civil works, intersection upgrades and landscaped buffers along Old Bathurst Road and David Road. Ongoing works indicate the project is in active delivery with staged construction commencements.
Uniting Edinglassie Village Redevelopment
Uniting NSW.ACT's $99 million redevelopment of Edinglassie retirement village in Emu Plains. Stage 2 will deliver 147 independent living apartments across 5 buildings, with 43 apartments (29%) as affordable housing for seniors. Builds upon residential aged care home completed in 2021. Construction commenced early 2025, creating 150-200 jobs during construction.
Regatta Park Upgrade - Emu Plains
Community recreational destination upgrade at Nepean River in Emu Plains. Jointly funded by Australian and NSW Governments and Penrith City Council under Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Program. Includes River Road realignment, new park facilities, shared paths, playground equipment, and landscaping.
Employment
The labour market strength in Emu Plains positions it well ahead of most Australian regions
Emu Plains has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 1.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.
There were 4,330 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment among residents is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.
Professional & technical services have limited presence, with 5.1% employment compared to 11.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 4.0%, alongside a 3.7% employment decline, resulting in a fall of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate compared to Greater Sydney. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Emu Plains' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Emu Plains is $57,997 and average income is $67,461. This is comparable to national averages but lower than Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,136 (median) and $73,438 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Emu Plains' household, family, and personal incomes are at the 60th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort in Emu Plains is 30.5% of locals (2,488 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 30.9%. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income in Emu Plains, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Emu Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Emu Plains' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.0% houses and 17.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Sydney metro had 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Plains was at 40.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.0% and rented ones at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, higher than Sydney metro's $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Emu Plains' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Emu Plains has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 73.5% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational attainment in Emu Plains aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics
The area's university qualification rate is 21.0%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 10.8% and certificates for 27.9%.
Educational participation is high at 28.5%, including 10.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Emu Plains has 106 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 54 different routes, together facilitating 2,755 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 126 meters to the nearest stop.
Daily service frequency across all routes is 393 trips, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Emu Plains is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Emu Plains faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data.
Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 54%, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than the Greater Sydney average. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.5% of residents) and mental health issues (8.7%). Conversely, 64.8% of Emu Plains residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Greater Sydney. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.6% (1,843 people), compared to the Greater Sydney average of 14.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Emu Plains generally align with those of the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 84.1% of its residents born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Emu Plains, comprising 63.8% of the population, compared to 57.9% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 29.8%, English 28.6%, and Irish 9.8% of the population.
Some ethnic groups were notably different in representation: Polish at 1.0% (vs regional 0.7%), Maltese at 1.3% (vs 2.9%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Emu Plains's median age exceeds the national pattern
Emu Plains has a median age of 41 years, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 years and slightly older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 8.5% of Emu Plains' population, compared to 6.2% in Greater Sydney, indicating an over-representation of this cohort locally. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.3%, compared to 17.0% in Greater Sydney. According to the 2021 Census, Emu Plains' population has shifted since the last census: the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.5%, while the 35-44 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.5% and the 65-74 group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Emu Plains' age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to grow by 118%, adding 299 residents to reach a total of 552. This growth will contribute to the overall increase in residents aged 65 and older, who are projected to represent 85% of Emu Plains' population growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 25-34 age group and the 0-4 age cohort.