Esk (Qld)

Esk is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Esk (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is around 1,713 people. This reflects an increase of 72 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,641 people in the area. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 1,686 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 28 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the Esk (Qld) (SA2), expected to grow by 236 persons to reach a total of 1,949 people by 2041. This reflects an overall gain of 13.2% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Esk according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Esk has experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 42 homes. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

New supply appears to be keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new dwellings developed is $399,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Esk shows approximately 57% of the construction activity per person and places among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 262 people per dwelling approval, Esk shows characteristics of a low density area. Future projections show Esk adding 227 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

No changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch as potentially influencing the area. Significant projects encompass Proposed Inland Rail Tunnel (Gowrie to Brisbane Port), Queensland Supergrid South, Inland Rail - Queensland Sections, and Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K). The following list outlines those deemed most pertinent.

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Employment performance in Esk has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Esk has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025610 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.9% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 38.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 6.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 4.1% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Esk's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Esk's income level is below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Esk is $37,883 and the average income stands at $47,965. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's figures are $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% would be approximately $41,637 (median) and $52,718 (average). Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Esk all fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 34.5% of locals (590 people), earning between $400 - 799 per week, unlike broader area trends where 33.3% earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. This indicates that 43.4% of residents have constrained household budgets due to incomes below $800 per week. After housing expenses, 86.0% of income remains in Esk, ranking at only the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Esk's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.1% houses and 7.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had a higher proportion of houses at 96.6%, with 3.4% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Esk was 52.4%, compared to Brisbane metro's lower figure. Mortgaged dwellings made up 28.0% and rented dwellings were 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Esk was $1,181, significantly lower than Brisbane metro's $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Esk was recorded at $260, substantially below Brisbane metro's $300 and the national figure of $375.

Esk features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.0% of all households, including 15.4% couples with children, 37.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Esk faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (31.8%). School and university attendance makes up 18.5% of the community, comprising 7.2% in secondary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education.

School and university attendance encompasses 18.5% of the community. This includes 7.2% in secondary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Esk has four active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route collectively offering six weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1543 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Esk is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Esk faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% of Esk's total population (~791 people) has private health cover, compared to 49.2% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.6% of residents) and mental health issues (11.0%).

Conversely, 48.5% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 60.9% in Greater Brisbane. Esk has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 40.0% (685 people), compared to 21.8% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Esk is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Esk showed cultural diversity below average, with 81.6% born in Australia, 91.1% being citizens, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity at 55.4%, compared to 54.9% across Greater Brisbane. In ancestry, the top groups were English (33.3%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (8.9%).

Notably, German representation was higher at 7.1% in Esk versus 8.8% regionally, while New Zealand stood at 0.7% (matching regional levels) and Maori at 0.5%, slightly above the regional 0.4%.

Esk ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Esk's median age is 58 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, Esk has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds at 23.2% locally (versus 9.4% nationally) and an under-represented group of 25-34 year-olds at 5.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 11.9% to 14.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 7.9% to 6.8%. By 2041, Esk's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 85+ group growing by 255% (from 44 to 158 people). The aging population dynamic is clear, as those aged 65 and above will comprise 94% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.