Emerald (Vic.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Emerald (Vic.)'s population is estimated at around 5,844 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 46 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,890 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,833, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 116 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The local community possesses a highly skilled workforce, with the building and construction trade being notably prominent. The local unemployment rate stands at a low 2.0%, accompanied by an estimated employment expansion of 4.5% over the past year. Data from March 2026 shows 3,358 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate 2.8% lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. The labor force participation rate aligns closely with the metropolitan average of 70.2%. Census records show that a high proportion of employed residents (27.1%) worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions.

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Tax statistics released for the financial year 2023 show a median taxpayer income of $52,831 and an average income of $71,611 in the area. These figures exceed national benchmarks, compared to $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) across the Greater Melbourne area. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $57,913 for median earnings and $78,500 for the average. The 2021 Census places local household, family, and individual incomes around the 66th percentile nationwide. Income distribution data indicates that 34.7% of taxpayers (representing 2,027 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan rate of 32.8%. Residents retain of their earnings after housing costs, pointing to strong disposable income, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for economic advantage.

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At the time of the latest Census, standalone houses constituted 98.3% of the local housing stock, while apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative dwellings made up the remaining 1.7%. This contrasts with the broader metropolitan area, where houses represent 67.9% and alternative dwellings account for 32.1%. Home ownership rates are high, with 39.7% of homes owned outright, while 52.1% are mortgaged and 8.1% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment matches the metropolitan median at $2,000, whereas the median weekly rent stands at $400, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $2,000 and $390. Locally, mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of local households at 80.4%, consisting of couples with dependent children at 40.9%, couples without children at 30.8%, and single-parent households at 8.4%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 19.6%, comprising single-person households at 17.6% and group households at 1.6%. The median household size stands at 2.8 occupants, higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The local population displays lower rates of higher education, with 26.6% of residents holding university qualifications compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Among those with university degrees, bachelor programs are the most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate studies at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational and practical training is highly prevalent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (25.3%).

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Public transport services in the area consist of 25 active stops, which are served by bus routes. These stops are connected to 8 distinct transit lines, which support 606 passenger journeys weekly. Overall public transport access is considered low, with residents living an average of 746 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and the vast majority of commuters travel outside the locality, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel for 95% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 2.0 cars, which is higher than the metropolitan average. Additionally, 27.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect temporary public health measures.

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Health outcomes are strong across the community, as indicated by low mortality rates and a low prevalence of chronic illness among both younger and older demographics. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is high, covering approximately 55% of residents, which equates to about 3,221 individuals.

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The local population exhibits lower levels of multicultural diversity compared to broader averages. Australian-born residents comprise 82.9% of the community, 91.2% hold citizenship, and 94.6% speak only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 34.4% of residents. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who make up 0.1% of the population compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of local residents is 43, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 bracket (12.9%), while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 6.6% compared to the metropolitan average. Since 2021, the cohort aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.1% to 7.3%, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 11.7% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 demographic fell from 8.9% to 6.6%. By 2041, demographic forecasts project that the to group will expand by people () from to . Seniors aged and over are expected to drive of total population growth, while the to and to groups are projected to decline.

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Emerald currently has an estimated 274 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 189 children aged 0-2 and 126 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 243 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 632. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.