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 23,865 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 5,663 people (31.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,202. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 21,767 in June 2024 and an additional 459 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,277 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Adelaide's growth rate of 31.1% since the 2021 census surpassed the state's (8.7%) and Greater Adelaide's rates, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Adelaide is expected to expand by 3,202 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.6% in total over the 17-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 moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating demand significantly outstripping supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices.

Developers focus on premium market segments, as new dwellings are constructed at an average cost of $422,000. This financial year has seen $865.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, development levels per person in the location are similar, maintaining market balance. However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity. Nationally, developer confidence in the location appears strong, as development levels here are substantially higher than the national average.

New building activity predominantly consists of townhouses or apartments (96%), with detached dwellings making up 4%. This shift towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers while providing accessible entry options. The area has approximately 247 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Looking ahead, Adelaide is projected to grow by 1,104 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand, creating favorable 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones include Market Square and Central Market Expansion, Festival Plaza Tower 2, The Cullinan, and Little National Hotel Adelaide. The following details projects expected to have the 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's workforce is highly educated with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.8% in September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%.

As of that date, 12,789 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.9%, matching Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation was also on par with Greater Adelaide's 66.5%. According to Census responses, 14.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were accommodation & food, professional & technical, 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 Adelaide functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force increased by 3.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Adelaide's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Adelaide SA2 is $42,696, with average income at $61,190. This is lower than national averages of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852 for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $46,453 (median) and $66,575 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Adelaide rank modestly, between the 25th and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.1% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 31.8% fall within this range. Housing affordability is severe, with only 76.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 16th percentile. 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

Adelaide's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 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 was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent stood at $400, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Adelaide's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 59.8%, with lone person households at 45.4% and group households making up 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

Adelaide residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications (52.8%) compared to the state average (25.7%) and Greater Adelaide's figure (28.9%). This educational advantage is evident in the prevalence of bachelor degrees (32.8%), postgraduate qualifications (16.7%), and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways are also pursued, with advanced diplomas accounting for 9.5% and certificates for 9.7%. Educational participation is high, with 42.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 30.7% in tertiary, 3.0% in primary, and 2.0% in secondary education.

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. These comprise a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. There are 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 stop. As of the 2021 Census, some 14.1% of residents work from home, which 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

Adelaide's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. Approximately 49% of the total population (~11,741 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 9.1 and 5.5% of residents respectively. A total of 77.1% reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,109 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings for 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's population, as of the 2016 Census, comprises 46.3% who speak a language other than English at home and 55.8% who were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Adelaide, with 26.6%. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Adelaide at 5.6%, compared to 2.4% regionally.

Top ancestry groups include 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 relative 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 younger than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (30.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Adelaide's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 27.3% to 30.0%, while the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.3% to 4.9%. Conversely, the proportion 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 projections suggest that Adelaide's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ cohort showing the strongest growth at 164%, adding 596 residents to reach a total of 959. The population is expected to age further, as residents aged 65 and older represent 62% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 5-14 and 15-24 years.