Eli Waters (Qld)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census estimates that the suburb of Eli Waters has 4,978 residents as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,220 people (32.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,758 individuals. The estimate was derived by Districts from the 4,978 resident figure, calculated using the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside an additional 572 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 787 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded in Districts assessments. The 32.5% rate of growth in the suburb of Eli Waters since the 2021 Census outpaced the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national benchmark, making it a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 84.0% of the total population gains in recent times.

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Eli Waters has a balanced workforce distributed between white-collar and blue-collar roles, with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of 8.4%, and an estimated 15.1% increase in jobs over the prior year according to Districts statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, working residents total 2,007, though the unemployment rate sits 4.5% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, showing potential for improvement, and workforce participation remains low at 54.8% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a minor 6.2% of the workforce worked from home, although this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.

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Taxpayer data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that income levels in the suburb of Eli Waters are below the national average. The median income among local taxpayers is $41,602 and the average income is $52,305, compared to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $46,328 for the median and $58,247 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Eli Waters all ranked between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 32.5% of residents (1,617 people) earn within the $800 - 1,499 range, whereas the metropolitan area is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 31.7%. Housing affordability presents major challenges, leaving residents with only 83.0% of their income, which ranks in the 5th percentile.

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Residential structures in Eli Waters at the latest Census consisted of 94.3% separate houses and 5.7% alternative dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other structures, compared to Regional Qld where houses made up 76.4% and other dwellings accounted for 23.6%. The rate of outright home ownership in Eli Waters stood at 48.1%, which was notably higher than the Regional Qld level, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (22.6%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was substantially below the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $370 compared to $345 regionally. Compared nationally, mortgage payments in Eli Waters are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the clear majority at 74.9% of all dwellings, consisting of couples with children at 20.9%, couples without children at 39.5%, and single parent families at 13.8%. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households making up 21.9% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in the area is low, with university qualification rates at 12.8% compared to the Australian average of 30.4%, representing a potential focus area for targeted education programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 9.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 42.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 32.5%.

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Public transport data shows 5 active stops operating in Eli Waters, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 3 separate routes, providing a total of 58 passenger trips per week. Transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 702 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential nature, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. A low 6.2% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may be due to pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators compiled by Districts regarding mortality and chronic disease show significant challenges in Eli Waters, with the prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is low at approximately 48% of the population, representing about 2,385 people. This is below the Regional Qld average of 52.5% and the national rate of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity in Eli Waters is below average, with citizens making up 86.3% of the population, 79.8% of residents born in Australia, and 94.8% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 50.0% of the population in Eli Waters, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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The median age in the suburb of Eli Waters is 46 years, which is higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 (16.1% versus 9.4% nationally) but a lower proportion of people aged 45 - 54 (7.6%). A demographic shift has occurred since the 2021 Census, with the median age dropping from 48 to 46 years. During this time, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 9.3% to 12.5% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 9.4% to 12.1%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 9.7% to 7.6% and the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 18.2% to 16.1%. By 2041, significant changes in the age structure are projected for the suburb of Eli Waters, with the 25 to 34 age cohort expected to grow by 188 people (30%) from 622 to 811, while the 15 to 24 age bracket is projected to decrease by 28 individuals.

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Eli Waters currently has an estimated 328 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 136 children aged 0-2 and 92 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 104% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 21% by 2041 (to approximately 397 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 415. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.