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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Adelaide's population is around 23,914 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 5,712 people (31.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,202 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,767 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 513 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,281 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Adelaide's 31.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 3,202 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Adelaide has seen around 227 new homes approved per year, with 1,135 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 68 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $422,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $865.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide has similar development levels (per person), maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity shows 4.0% detached dwellings and 96.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location has approximately 247 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Adelaide is expected to grow by 1,055 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 57 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Market Square and Central Market Expansion, Festival Plaza Tower 2, The Cullinan, and Little National Hotel Adelaide, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 7.5%, and 6.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 13,030 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.7% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Adelaide's 67.2%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise accommodation & food, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 4.1% employment compared to 8.7% regionally. With 6.6 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.3% and the labour force increased by 5.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Greater Adelaide, where employment grew by 4.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.9%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Adelaide. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Adelaide SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $42,696 while the average income stands at $61,190. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,453 (median) and $66,575 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Adelaide, between the 25th and 33rd percentiles. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 29.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,958 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

Dwelling structure within Adelaide, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 4.4% houses and 95.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Adelaide was lagging that of Adelaide metro, at 18.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (15.7%) or rented (66.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Adelaide metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Adelaide's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding 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 dominate at 40.2% of all households, comprising 7.0% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 4.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 59.8%, with lone person households at 45.4% and group households comprising 14.5% of the total. The median household size of 1.8 people is 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 52.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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+ - advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (9.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 241 active transport stops operating within Adelaide, comprising a mix of train, light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 282 individual routes, collectively providing 28,609 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 142 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 38%, with 36% walking and 14% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 14.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 4,087 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 118 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Adelaide, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~11,765 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.1 and 5.5% of residents, respectively, while 77.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,237 people), which is lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly 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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 46.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.8% born overseas. The main religion in Adelaide is Christianity, which makes up 26.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 5.6% of the population, compared to 2.4% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Adelaide are Chinese, comprising 21.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.1%, English, comprising 20.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 27.8%, and Australian, comprising 12.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 22.8%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Adelaide (vs 0.3% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.9% (vs 1.2%) and French at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

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

At 30 years, Adelaide's median age is materially younger than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and also significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (30.3%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (2.4%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 27.3% to 30.3% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.3% to 5.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 9.1% to 7.7% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 8.5% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Adelaide's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 139%, adding 557 residents to reach 959. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 62% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.