MINING towns are on the nose with investors but Emerald is bucking the trend.

The town has been identified as pivotal to growth in the state's mining sector chain and earned a spot in Australian Property Investor's Top 100 issue.

Moranbah and Dysart, which were swooped on by investors in recent years, have been ignored.

This year's list sees a return of confidence in metropolitan locations, with 63% of entries being within 30kms of a capital city.

"In previous years, there has been a tendency for analysts to tip the fortunes of smaller towns dominated by mining, but that's not the case in 2013," API deputy editor Shannon Molloy said.

"For Emerald, there are a few factors at play that will drive demand from buyers and investors, including mining, employment, high rent returns and population growth.

"Emerald has long been a pivotal link in Queensland's mining sector chain, but is experiencing a new influx of people with connections to the resources sector."

API gave Emerald rankings of good for its local council, accessibility and services and amenities. It was rated moderate for infrastructure on the radar.

Hotspotting.com.au founder Terry Ryder said Emerald would grow as projects in the Galilee Basin came on line.

Rockhampton also made the Top 100 but its council attracted an average rating and criticism for its attitude to developers.

"The council needs to overhaul its development processes and be amenable to subdivision," API said.