Urban Area · Area profile
Emerald
39 km²
A typical resident in Emerald is just 32, making it one of the youngest communities in the region. This youthful character is seen in the high number of children and a workforce that is heavily engaged in mining and trades. The area is a high-earning hub where families often live in large homes, though many more people are renting here than in the rest of the state. It is a transient and active place, with nearly half the population having moved here in the last five years.
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The community is noticeably younger than the national average, with a high 25.2% of people under 15 and very few seniors. This trend is mirrored in the family structure, where de facto relationships are well above the state and national figures.
Most residents were born in Australia, though the proportion of overseas-born people has risen to 14.8%. Australian, English, Irish, and Scottish ancestries are the most common.
English is the main language for 83% of the population, but the number of people using another language at home rose to 8.2% since 2011. Very few people speak little or no English.
About 38% of people report no religion, which is about the same as the national figure. This represents a significant rise of 14 points since 2011.
The area has a high rate of Year 12 completion at 53.8%. Qualifications are heavily concentrated in engineering and related fields, which make up 23.9% of degrees.
Incomes are well above the national figure, with 27.6% of households earning $3,000 or more a week. The typical weekly household income of $2,190 is among the highest for its level.
The population is healthier than most similar areas, with a much lower rate of long-term health conditions. Only 3.5% of people need help with daily activities.
Volunteering is much more common here than in the rest of the state, at 17.3%. This active community spirit is also seen in the 33.2% of people who provide unpaid childcare.
Families are larger than usual, with 2.7 people per home and a high percentage of couples with children. Very few people live alone compared to other areas.
Renting is far more common here than nationally, at 44.7%, while outright home ownership is very low. Most homes are large, with 84.2% having three or more bedrooms.
Car dependence is high, with 66.8% of people driving to work and very few homes without a vehicle. However, 4.2% use public transport, which is slightly above the national figure.
The population is very mobile, as 49.5% of residents moved in the last five years. This is consistent with a high number of recent overseas arrivals at 18.6%.
Job activity is far above the national average, with 73.7% of adults working or looking for work. The unemployment rate is very low at 3.3%, and mining is a major employer.
The area is mostly car-dependent, though most homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park or school. Access to groceries and health services on foot is far below the state average.