Adelaide

Adelaide lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Adelaide's population was approximately 23,914 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a growth of 5,712 people, an increase of 31.4% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 18,202. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,767 in June 2024 and an additional 513 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,281 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Adelaide's growth rate exceeded that of both South Australia (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide since the 2021 census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the national median, with an expected expansion of 3,202 persons to reach approximately 27,116 by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 4.4% over the seventeen-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Adelaide among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Adelaide has seen approximately 227 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,135 homes were approved, with one more approval in FY-26 so far. On average, about 3.1 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply, which can exert upward pressure on prices and intensify competition among buyers.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $422,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $865.6 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating robust local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, development levels are similar per capita, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, though recent periods have shown some moderation in development activity. Nationally, however, development levels are substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence in Adelaide's location. New building activity comprises 4.0% detached dwellings and 96.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend toward denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The area has approximately 247 people per dwelling approval, leaving room for growth. By 2041, Adelaide is projected to grow by 1,055 residents (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Adelaide has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 57 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Market Square and Central Market Expansion, Festival Plaza Tower 2, The Cullinan, and Little National Hotel Adelaide. The following details projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Adelaide shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Adelaide has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 7.8% in September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%.

As of this date, 12,789 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.9%, equal to Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation was also on par with Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 14.1% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents included accommodation & food, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance.

The area had a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.4 times the regional average. Construction had limited presence with 4.1% employment compared to 8.7% regionally. There were 6.6 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating the area functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, labour force increased by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Adelaide. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Adelaide's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Adelaide SA2 had median assessed income of $42,696 and average income of $61,190 in financial year 2023. This was lower than national averages. Greater Adelaide's median income was $54,808 and average income was $66,852 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $46,453 (median) and $66,575 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Adelaide ranked modestly, between the 25th and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution reveals largest segment was 29.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,958 residents). Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 76.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile. Adelaide SA2's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Adelaide features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Adelaide's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 4.4% houses and 95.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Adelaide was at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.7% and rented ones at 66.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was $400, while Adelaide metro recorded $320. Nationally, Adelaide's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, but rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Adelaide features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 40.2% of all households, including 7.0% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 4.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 59.8%, with lone person households at 45.4% and group households comprising 14.5%. The median household size is 1.8 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Adelaide shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Adelaide is significant, with 52.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in South Australia and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 19.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 9.7%. Educational participation is high, with 42.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 30.7% in tertiary education, 3.0% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transportation in Adelaide indicates that there are currently 241 active transport stops operating within the city. These stops offer a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 282 individual routes, collectively providing 28,609 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transportation is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 142 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains car ownership at 38%, followed by walking at 36% and bus usage at 14%.

On average, there are 0.3 vehicles per dwelling in Adelaide, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 14.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect the conditions brought about by COVID-19. The service frequency averages approximately 4,087 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 118 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Adelaide's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Adelaide's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 49% of the total population (~11,765 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.1 and 5.5% of residents respectively. 77.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,237 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Adelaide is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Adelaide has a culturally diverse population, with 46.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.8% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Adelaide, comprising 26.6% of its population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Adelaide compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 5.6% vs 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.4%), English (20.0%), and Australian (12.0%). Notably, Korean (1.5%) Vietnamese (1.9%) and French (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Adelaide compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 1.2%, and 0.4% respectively.

Adelaide hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Adelaide's median age is 30 years, which is significantly younger than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (30.3%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of Adelaide's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 27.3% to 30.3%, while the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.3% to 5.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45 to 54 has declined from 9.1% to 7.7%, and the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has dropped from 8.5% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Adelaide's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The cohort aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 139%, adding 557 residents to reach a total of 959. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 62% of the population growth, while declines are anticipated for the cohorts aged 5-14 and 15-24.