Emu Plains

Emu Plains has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Emu Plains is around 8,378, reflecting an increase of 252 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.1% increase from the previously reported population of 8,126. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,972 based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 248 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,031 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Emu Plains's growth rate of 3.1% since the census places it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 5.5%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving the area's population growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 230 persons to reach an estimated population of 8,608 by 2041, reflecting a decline of 0.6% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Emu Plains shows approximately 17 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 89 homes were approved, with an additional 99 approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which may be beneficial for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $625,000, higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. This year, $10.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Plains has markedly lower building activity, with 64.0% fewer approvals per person, which can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties due to the scarcity of new dwellings. This is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. New development consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Emu Plains' suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 426 people per dwelling approval, Emu Plains exhibits a developed market. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Emu Plains may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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 has identified 20 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Emu Plains Industrial Precinct - Akura Development, Uniting Edinglassie Village Redevelopment, Winter Sports World, and Penrith Stadium Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Emu Plains demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Emu Plains has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 4,441 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Emu Plains specializes in construction with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 11.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force decreased by 2.2% and employment declined by 2.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat while Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase 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, assuming constant population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Emu Plains had a median taxpayer income of $57,997 and an average of $67,461 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This was higher than Greater Sydney's median income of $56,994 and average income of $80,856. Based on a 12.61% increase since financial year 2022, as calculated by the Wage Price Index, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $65,310 (median) and $75,968 (average). The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Emu Plains were at the 60th percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, the largest segment consisted of 30.5% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 2,555 residents falling into this category. This aligns with the regional trend where this cohort also represents 30.9%. High housing costs consumed 15.2% of income in Emu Plains, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 59th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Emu Plains, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Sydney metro's figures of 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Emu Plains stood at 40.0%, with mortgaged properties at 37.0% and rented dwellings at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, exceeding Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Emu Plains was $420, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Emu Plains' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were above the national figure of $375.

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, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

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 the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (27.9%). Educational participation is high, at 28.5%, including primary education (10.1%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

Emu Plains has 5 schools with a combined enrollment of 2,228 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1018). Educational provision is split between 2 primary and 3 secondary institutions. The area functions as an education hub with 26.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.6.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Emu Plains has 94 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 54 different routes, collectively facilitating 2,529 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 128 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 361 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

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 health data.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~4,491 people) have private health cover, a rate higher than the national average. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.5% of residents) and mental health issues (8.7%). Notably, 64.8% of Emu Plains residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Greater Sydney. As of 2021, 22.6% of Emu Plains' population is aged 65 and over (1,893 people), higher than the 14.1% recorded in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors present comparable challenges to those seen in the general population.

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 below average, with 84.1% of its population born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Emu Plains, comprising 63.8% of people, compared to 57.9% across Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.8%), English (28.6%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Polish ethnicity was overrepresented at 1.0%, Maltese at 1.3%, and Hungarian at 0.3%.

Emu Plains hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Emu Plains's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Emu Plains has a notably higher proportion of the 75-84 age group (8.5% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.3%). Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 cohort grew from 6.7% to 8.5%, while the 35-44 group declined from 13.2% to 11.5% and the 65-74 group dropped from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Emu Plains' age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 113%, adding 292 residents to reach 552. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to contribute to 87% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.