Adelaide Hills
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Adelaide Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Adelaide Hills' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 7,210. This figure represents an increase of 159 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,051. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,183 in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 19.8 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.6% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median for statistical areas analysed, with Adelaide Hills expected to grow by 720 persons to 2041, reflecting a 9.6% total increase over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Adelaide Hills, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Adelaide Hills averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 121 homes approved during this period. In FY-26, up until now, there have been 3 dwelling approvals. On average, 1 person has moved to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $287,000. In FY-26, there have been $10.9 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area. When compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide Hills records significantly lower building activity, with 68.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

The area's development is also below national averages, reflecting its maturity and potential planning constraints. Recent development in Adelaide Hills has been exclusively detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature. This emphasis on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 549 people per dwelling approval in the area, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Adelaide Hills will gain approximately 693 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Adelaide Hills has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Two projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to affect the region: Defence and Aerospace Precinct at Penfield, Angle Vale Residential Growth Area, Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) - SA Water, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts. Relevant details are listed below.

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.

Employment conditions in Adelaide Hills demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Adelaide Hills has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of June 2025. This is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

The estimated employment growth over the past year was 1.7%. There are 4,202 residents in work and the workforce participation rate is 65.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 4.8 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.4% versus the regional average of 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and labour force increased by 1.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Adelaide Hills' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Adelaide Hills had a median income among taxpayers of $52,363 during financial year 2022. The average income level stood at $68,138 in the same period. This was higher than the national average and compared to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $59,081 and average income would be around $76,880 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Adelaide Hills clustered around the 54th percentile nationally. Distribution data showed that 33.1% of the population (2,386 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.8% similarly occupied this range. After housing costs, residents retained 88.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Adelaide Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Adelaide Hills, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.2% houses and 1.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Adelaide Hills stood at 44.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (46.4%) or rented (8.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with the Adelaide metro average, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,733 and $350 respectively. Nationally, Adelaide Hills' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Adelaide Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.0% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 35.9% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

Adelaide Hills performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 22.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is high at 26.9%, including 9.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education. There are seven schools operating within Adelaide Hills, educating approximately 1,073 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1026) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes five primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Adelaide Hills's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Adelaide Hills' health data shows positive outcomes for its residents, with common health conditions being relatively standard across both young and elderly age groups.

Approximately 53% (~3,850 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.7% of residents) and asthma (7.7%). Notably, 68.8% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.9% (1,579 people), compared to 19.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Adelaide Hills is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Adelaide Hills' population showed lower cultural diversity, with 83.8% born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.2%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 0.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.6%.

Top ancestry groups were English (35.4%), Australian (29.6%), and German (8.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish at 1.0% (vs regional 0.8%), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.8%).

Adelaide Hills hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Adelaide Hills has a median age of 47, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 17.4% of the population, compared to 11.2% nationally. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 8.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.5% to 7.0%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 12.3% to 13.3%. However, the 45-54 age group has declined from 15.8% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Adelaide Hills' age structure. The 85+ age group is set to grow by 141%, reaching 365 people from 151. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort is projected to decline by 114 people.