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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Adelaide Hills has an estimated 7,269 residents, up from 7,051 at the 2021 Census — a change of 218 people, or 3.1%. Density is about 20 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of May 2026, the population of Adelaide Hills is estimated at approximately 7,269 according to analysis by AreaSearch. Compared to the 2021 Census count of 7,051 people, this represents a growth of 218 people (3.1%). The ABS estimated resident population of 7,256 as of June 2025, combined with 32 validated new addresses registered since the Census date, helps outline this demographic change. This population size results in a density of 19.9 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. The primary contributor to this growth was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 40.1% of the total population increase in recent times, though natural growth and interstate migration also registered positive gains.
Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, are utilized by AreaSearch for SA2 areas. Where this data is unavailable or for periods after 2032, regional and LGA projections categorized by age from the SA State Government, released in 2023 and utilizing 2021 data, are integrated via a weighted aggregation approach that scales growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future growth trends suggest an expansion slightly below the national median for Australian statistical areas, with a projected increase of 707 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, which equates to a 9.6% total growth over 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
121 new dwellings have been approved in Adelaide Hills over the past five years, an average of 24 a year. That is 3.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 10, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Over the last 5 financial years, a total of 121 homes were approved in Adelaide Hills, averaging approximately 24 dwellings per year. During FY-26 so far, 10 approvals have been documented. The local market has shown stability with 1.3 people moving to the region annually for every constructed home over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this ratio rose to 4.5 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, suggesting heightened demand and a possible shortage of supply. Building projects present an average construction value of $287,000.
Additionally, commercial approvals have reached $10.9 million this financial year, highlighting consistent commercial investment. Construction activity in Adelaide Hills is significantly subdued compared to Greater Adelaide, sitting 67.0% below the regional average on a per-person basis. This limited flow of new builds typically supports demand and values for established housing. Activity is similarly quiet when compared to the national average, suggesting a mature market or local development limitations. All recent construction has consisted of detached houses, preserving the classic low-density feel of the neighborhood and its appeal to families looking for spacious properties. A quiet building environment is further demonstrated by the estimated ratio of 553 people per single dwelling approval. Demographic projections suggest that Adelaide Hills will add 694 residents by 2041, according to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimates. Current construction rates appear sufficient to meet future demand, which should keep market conditions stable and prevent major upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Adelaide Hills
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 37 current infrastructure and development projects close to Adelaide Hills, worth an estimated $2.02 billion. 10 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, residential development and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Development and local growth are heavily shaped by strategic investments in infrastructure and planning. A total of 3 key projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a potential influence on the region. Notable initiatives include the Defence and Aerospace Precinct at Penfield, the Angle Vale Residential Growth Area, the Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals, and the Northern Adelaide Transport Study, with details provided below for those most relevant to the local area.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Golden Grove Neighbourhood Code Amendment (Stage 1)
Privately led rezoning proposal to enable a master-planned residential community north of One Tree Hill Road in Golden Grove. Proponents YAS Property & Development and Falkenburg Road Pty Ltd seek to rezone approximately 29 hectares of Rural-zoned land to Master Planned Neighbourhood to facilitate around 340 dwellings, alongside open space and interface buffers to adjacent extractive operations.
Golden Grove Master Planned Stage 2
Second stage development seeking to rezone land south of One Tree Hill Road from Rural Living Zone to Master Planned Neighbourhood Zone and Employment Zone. The proposal aims to create approximately 450 additional allotments to complement the Stage 1 development, offering generously sized plots where residents can choose their own builders.
Harpers Field Community Building & Sporting Club Redevelopment
$14 million redevelopment of Harpers Field clubrooms and community centre completed June 2024. Now home to Golden Grove Football Club and Golden Grove Cricket Club, providing modern sporting and community facilities for the growing Golden Grove area. Features new clubrooms, four inclusive changerooms, bar, function area, grandstand with safe standing areas and viewing platform, lighting, car parks, landscaping, multipurpose function spaces, caf' and community kitchens, meeting rooms, and a community shed.
Tilley Recreation Park Indoor Training Facility & Clubrooms
Redevelopment and construction of a modern multi-use flexible clubroom and sporting facility at Tilley Recreation Park for the Tea Tree Gully City Soccer Club. The project includes four unisex changerooms, umpire and medical rooms, clubrooms, an undercover viewing area, enhanced public amenities, viewing mounds, additional green space, and integrated public art elements. Delivered by City of Tea Tree Gully in partnership with Sarah Constructions.
Tea Tree Gully Township North East Road Streetscape Upgrade
A multi-year project to upgrade the streetscape in the historic Tea Tree Gully township precinct. The project includes undergrounding of power lines and significant footpath upgrades to improve the public realm, enhance the village atmosphere, provide gateways into the City, new paving, landscaping, street furniture, lighting upgrades, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure improvements.
The Oasis Estate
The Oasis Estate is a completed infill subdivision in Hope Valley, transforming a 0.63 hectare site into a 15 lot house and land estate delivered by Adroit Developers. All lots were sold out by 2022, with townhouses and detached homes now built and occupied along the new internal driveway at 86-88 Barracks Road. The project provides modern, low maintenance homes close to local schools, parks and Tea Tree Plaza, directly adjoining Zircon Reserve and forming part of the Adelaide North growth corridor.
Illyarrie Reserve Enhancement
Enhancements to Illyarrie Reserve, a major park in Surrey Downs. A draft master plan has been developed which includes a proposed new indoor training facility for the Golden Grove Central Districts Baseball Club (GGCDBC) and other improvements to the open space.
Greenwith Primary School Major Upgrade
$5m upgrade delivering a new two storey permanent modular facility with general learning areas, serviced learning/performance space, practice and withdrawal rooms, a green room, breakout spaces, teacher preparation areas and disability access toilets, plus demolition of ageing transportable buildings and associated site works and landscaping.
4,304 residents of Adelaide Hills are employed, from a labour force of 4,418. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 72.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,860, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce in Adelaide Hills is highly skilled and characterized by strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 2.6%, and an estimated job growth of 5.4% over the preceding year. There were 4,304 employed residents as of March 2026, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.2% lower than the 3.8% recorded in Greater Adelaide. Furthermore, participation in the labor force is high at 72.1%, exceeding the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 66.6%. Census data indicates that 14.5% of local workers operated from home, a figure that may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, construction, along with education & training. Notably, the local economy shows a major concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the proportion of jobs is 4.8 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is less prominent locally, accounting for 13.4% of the workforce compared to 17.7% across Greater Adelaide. Comparisons between the working population recorded in the Census and the resident population suggest that local job options within the immediate area remain limited. Analysis of ABS and SALM figures by AreaSearch reveals that over the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 5.4% while the labor pool grew by 5.0%, leading to a decrease of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Greater Adelaide saw employment and labor force increases of 4.2% and 4.0% respectively, alongside a decline of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide an indication of potential future staffing requirements in Adelaide Hills. Aligning these five and ten-year national trends with the local workforce distribution offers a model for prospective growth. While country-wide employment is anticipated to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary across different sectors. Applying these sectoral forecasts to the industry mix in Adelaide Hills projects a potential employment increase of 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, serving as a weighted illustration that does not factor in localized population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Adelaide Hills is $1,905 a week (about $99,000 a year), with median personal income at $792 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,309 a year against an average of $68,936. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the most recent postcode ATO data released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Adelaide Hills SA2 record a median income of $53,309 and an average income of $68,936. These figures stand slightly above national averages, compared to a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 across Greater Adelaide. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.17% since financial year 2023, local earnings are estimated to have reached roughly $58,731 for the median and $75,947 for the average by March 2026. Census statistics indicate that combined family, household, and individual incomes in Adelaide Hills sit near the 53rd percentile of the nation.
In terms of distribution, 33.1% of the population (representing 2,406 individuals) falls into the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the 31.8% recorded in the wider region. Disposable income after housing expenses remains high at 88.9%, indicating solid financial flexibility, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 6th decile for income.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Adelaide Hills had 2,447 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 46% are owned with a mortgage, 9% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 15.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the latest Census shows that the housing stock in Adelaide Hills is composed of 98.2% detached houses and 1.7% alternative housing options like apartments and semi-detached units, whereas Adelaide metro records 75.2% houses and 24.9% other properties. Home ownership rates in the area are high, with 44.7% of homes owned outright, while 46.4% are held under a mortgage and 8.9% are rented. The median mortgage cost of $1,733 per month is higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562, whereas the weekly median rent is $300, which is lower than the metropolitan figure of $320.
At a national level, monthly home loan payments in Adelaide Hills are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents sit significantly lower than the country-wide baseline of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Adelaide Hills counted 2,447 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 39% are couples with children, more than in 75% of areas nationally, against 36% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of local households at 82.0%, including 38.5% couples raising children, 35.9% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent arrangements. The remaining 18.0% consists of non-family living situations, comprising single-person households at 16.7% and group living situations at 1.6%. Additionally, the typical household size of 2.7 residents is slightly larger than the Greater Adelaide median of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
22.1% of adults in Adelaide Hills hold a university qualification, including 15.3% with a bachelor degree and 4.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.5% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 1,073 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,026 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational profiles reveal lower levels of tertiary attainment, as 22.1% of residents hold a university qualification, which is below the SA4 regional average of 42.2%. This gap highlights key areas for educational development. Among degrees, bachelor qualifications are most common at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational education is prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical certificates or advanced diplomas, specifically 13.0% with advanced diplomas and 29.5% with certificates. A high rate of learning engagement is evident, with 26.9% of the local population registered in formal study.
This student cohort includes 9.6% in primary school, 8.2% in high school, and 4.6% enrolled in higher education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Adelaide Hills means driving: households keep an average of 2.3 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.8% of residents in Adelaide Hills report no long-term health condition. 4.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
A review of local health data indicates favorable outcomes across Adelaide Hills. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality data and the incidence of chronic illnesses indicates low rates of typical medical conditions across both younger and older demographics. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is slightly above the national SA2 average, with approximately 53% of the population (~3,874 people) maintaining coverage. Arthritis and asthma are the most frequently reported medical conditions in the district, affecting 8.7% and 7.7% of the community respectively, while 68.8% of the population reported no chronic health issues compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide.
The wellness profile of working-age residents is standard. Those aged 65 and over make up 22.7% of the local population (equivalent to 1,650 individuals), a higher proportion than the 19.2% recorded across Greater Adelaide. Health metrics among these older residents are notably positive, placing them higher in national comparisons than the broader local community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Adelaide Hills is largely Australian-born, at 83.8% of residents, with 3.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.4%) and Australian (29.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The cultural composition of Adelaide Hills shows lower levels of diversity compared to broader averages, with 83.8% of residents born in Australia, 92.1% holding citizenship, and 96.9% using only English in their households. Christianity represents the most common religious affiliation, followed by 43.2% of the local population. However, the most distinct deviation in religious representation is found in the Other category, which accounts for 0.5% of the population locally compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the three most common groups in Adelaide Hills are English ancestry, making up 35.4% of the population (well above the regional average of 27.8%), Australian ancestry at 29.6% (compared to 22.8% regionally), and German heritage at 8.3%.
There are also distinct variations in several other heritages, with Polish representation at 1.0% of Adelaide Hills (matching the regional 1.0%), Hungarian heritage at 0.4% (compared to 0.3% regionally), and Dutch ancestry at 1.7% (compared to 1.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Adelaide Hills is 46, older than 84% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 21.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Adelaide Hills is 46 years, which is higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the national median of 38 years. Residents aged 55 - 64 are highly represented at 17.1% of the population, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller at 8.6% compared to the metropolitan average. The percentage of 55 - 64 year-olds is higher than the national average of 11.2%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 5.5% to 7.5%, while the 45 to 54 age bracket decreased from 15.8% to 12.4%.
Demographics projected for 2041 suggest shifting age profiles, with the group aged 85+ expected to grow by 150%, representing an increase of 213 people to total 356. Seniors aged 65+ are expected to account for 60% of the area's overall growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the 55 to 64 group is projected to contract by 88 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Adelaide Hills
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 32 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (7,051 at the 2021 Census → 7,269 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (401021003). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.