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 was recorded as 7,051 people during the 2021 Census. As of August 2025, it has increased to approximately 7,210 people, reflecting a rise of 159 individuals (2.3%) since the census date. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,183 in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses recorded afterwards. The current population density stands at 19.8 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed roughly 53.6% of the overall population gains in 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, Adelaide Hills is projected to grow by approximately 720 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 9.6% over the 17-year period.

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 has averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there were 121 homes approved; as of FY-26, 2 have been approved so far. Over these five years, an average of one person moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $712,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $10.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide Hills records significantly lower building activity, at 68.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

This is also reflected nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count of 549 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Adelaide Hills adding approximately 693 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes in local infrastructure can significantly affect an area's performance. Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Defence and Aerospace Precinct at Penfield, Angle Vale Residential Growth Area, SA Water Northern Suburbs Infrastructure Program, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts. The following details those most likely to be relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Adelaide Hills well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Adelaide Hills has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year.

As of this date, 4,202 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.2%, lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 65.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.8 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 13.4% employment compared to 17.7% regionally. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force increased by 1.7%. Unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data to Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Adelaide Hills's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for the financial year ended June 2022, Adelaide Hills had a median income among taxpayers of $52,363 with the average level standing at $68,138. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,034 (median) and $75,517 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Adelaide Hills cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.1% of residents (2,386 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Adelaide Hills with 98.2% being houses and 1.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Adelaide Hills stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.4% and rented ones at 8.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with the Adelaide metro average, while 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households at 1.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger 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's university qualification rate is 22.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.5%). Current educational participation is high at 26.9%, comprising 9.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Seven schools operate 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 residents show generally positive health outcomes, with common conditions similarly distributed across age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53%, covering around 3,850 people. Key health issues include arthritis (8.7%) and asthma (7.7%). About 68.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Adelaide. Residents aged 65+ comprise 21.9%, or 1,579 people, exceeding Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Health metrics for seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population.

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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 83.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.2%. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.5% compared to 0.6% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (35.4%), Australian (29.6%), and German (8.3%). Some ethnic groups showed significant variations: Polish was overrepresented at 1.0%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.7%.

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 above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are prominent at 17.4%, while those aged 25-34 are relatively smaller at 8.3%. This concentration of those aged 55-64 is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.5% to 7.0%, while those aged 15 to 24 have increased from 12.3% to 13.3%. Conversely, the population aged 45 to 54 has declined from 15.8% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Adelaide Hills' age structure. The 85+ group is expected 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.