Adelaide Hills

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Adelaide Hills's population is around 7,201 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 150 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,051 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,183 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 19.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 53.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 720 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 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 has experienced around 24 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 121 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 1 person per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $287,000. There have also been $10.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide Hills records markedly lower building activity (68.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 549 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Adelaide Hills will gain 702 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Adelaide Hills has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 2 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Defence and Aerospace Precinct at Penfield, Angle Vale Residential Growth Area, Northern Adelaide Transport Study, and Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS), 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.

Employment conditions in Adelaide Hills demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Adelaide Hills features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 5.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,281 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (73.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.8 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 13.4% of Adelaide Hills's workforce compared to 17.7% in Greater Adelaide. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.3% alongside labour force increasing by 5.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Adelaide Hills. 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 Hills's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Adelaide Hills SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,309, with an average of $68,936. This is just above the national average, and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,000 (median) and $75,002 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Adelaide Hills cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.1% of the community (2,383 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. 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

Dwelling structure within Adelaide Hills, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.7% 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 Hills was well beyond that of Adelaide metro, at 44.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (46.4%) or rented (8.9%). 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 $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Adelaide Hills's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 82.0% of all households, comprising 38.5% couples with children, 35.9% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (22.1%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 42.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Adelaide Hills's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Adelaide Hills, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover slightly leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,838 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.7% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 68.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,625 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Adelaide Hills is Christianity, which makes up 43.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Adelaide Hills are English, comprising 35.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 27.8%, Australian, comprising 29.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 22.8%, and German, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Adelaide Hills (vs 1.0% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%) and Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.2%).

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

At 46 years, Adelaide Hills's median age is significantly above the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (17.0%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.3%) than in Greater Adelaide. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.5% to 7.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.3% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.8% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Adelaide Hills. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 151%, adding 219 residents to reach 365. Senior residents (65+) will drive 60% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 85.