🔍

Emerald

QLD 4720 • Rest of QLD

14,904
Population (2021)
$53,820
Median Income
611.00 km²
Area
182m
Elevation
Mining TownRegional HubHigh IncomeCentral Queensland

About Emerald

Emerald is the commercial heart of Queensland's Central Highlands, a substantial town of nearly 15,000 residents 270 kilometres west of Rockhampton. The town serves the Bowen Basin coal mining region, and prosperity is evident in quality facilities. The surrounding sunflower fields and Lake Maraboon provide scenic backdrop.

Mining drives the economy—high incomes reflect workers in surrounding coal operations, while the town provides comprehensive services for the regional population. The community is transient yet established, with families making genuine homes despite industry cycles. Emerald attracts mining workers, regional professionals, and those seeking well-paid opportunities in outback Queensland.

Emerald falls under postcode 4720 and is governed by Central Highlands Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gregory electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4720
Urban Area
Emerald
LGA
Central Highlands
Federal Electorate
Flynn
State Electorate
Gregory
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.53°, 148.18°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
611.00 km²
Elevation
182m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Claremont Street & Opal Street Emerald 4720 QLD
  • Woolworths
    Hospital Road Emerald 4720 QLD

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,647
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
32 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
14,356
Census 2021
14,904
▲ 3.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$45,344
Income 2021
$53,820
▲ 18.7% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 11,470
Born Overseas 2,183

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 593
  • 2. Philippines 252
  • 3. South Africa 216
  • 4. England 167
  • 5. India 111
  • 6. Zimbabwe 64
  • 7. China 55
  • 8. Malaysia 44
  • 9. Thailand 37
  • 10. United States 32
  • 11. Sri Lanka 31
  • 12. Scotland 30
  • 13. Samoa 29
  • 14. Papua New Guinea 28
  • 15. Fiji 27

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 5,773
English 5,534
Irish 1,655
Scottish 1,605
German 957
Australian Aboriginal 702
Maori 324
Filipino 295
Italian 291
New Zealander 233

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

9,672
Both parents born in Australia
2,566
Both parents born overseas
1,346
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
49.9%
No Religion
37.3%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.8%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,141 (7.7%)
5-14 years
2,620 (17.6%)
15-19 years
982 (6.6%)
20-24 years
1,001 (6.7%)
25-34 years
2,347 (15.7%)
35-44 years
2,359 (15.8%)
45-54 years
1,871 (12.6%)
55-64 years
1,532 (10.3%)
65-74 years
695 (4.7%)
75-84 years
272 (1.8%)
85+ years
81 (0.5%)

Nearby Suburbs