Emerald offers a materially higher gross yield (6.1% vs 4.5%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Emerald achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Geraldton requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Emerald (0.7% vs 1.4%), indicating tighter rental demand relative to supply.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Emerald QLD · #2 | Geraldton WA · #18 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 6.1% | 4.5% |
| Vacancy Rate | 0.7% | 1.4% |
| Median Price | $390k | $577k |
| Weekly Rent | $460/wk | $500/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$3,640 | $-3,978 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Slightly-Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +6% | +7.1% |
| Price Growth 12m | +4.5% | +8.8% |
| NG Dependence | None | Medium |
| Discovery Status | Unknown | Emerging |
| Population | 14k | 38k |
| Cycle Stage | Early | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE | ◆ NEUTRAL |
| Signal Score | 73 / Tier 1 | 55 / Tier 2 |
Tightest vacancy in the scan at 0.7% (effectively full). 6.1% yield at $390k is genuinely positive cashflow. Emerald sits at the intersection of coking coal and agriculture, giving it more diversification than a pure mining town. Discovery status 'Unknown': no institutional attention yet.
Geraldton retains the highest yield in the expansion set at 4.5%, with the smallest cashflow gap of the WA markets. The WA cycle has run the price from the $300s to $576k, but rental growth has tracked alongside. Agricultural export hub (grain port), RAAF Base Geraldton, and Mid West fisheries provide a diversified employment base. Slightly negative cashflow — not a yield play at current entry prices, but the most defensible yield profile among the 7 expansion markets.
CoreLogic QLD Q1 2025 · REIQ Emerald Q4 2024 · SQM Research Central Highlands · ABS agricultural census water allocation 2024 · Central Highlands Regional Council planning data
Data vintage: Q1 2025
2026 median house data. Source: property.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
The interactive tool lets you add up to 4 suburbs for a full side-by-side breakdown with score components.
Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.