Athelstone
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Athelstone's population as of August 2025 is approximately 9,948, reflecting a growth of 347 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.6% change from the previous census figure of 9,601 inhabitants. The inferred population in June 2024 was 9,876, with an additional 90 validated new addresses added after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,604 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Athelstone's growth rate since the last census is 3.6%, positioning it within 2.8 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 6.4%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 68.8% of 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 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. Future demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with an expected growth of 906 persons by 2041, representing an 8.4% total increase over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Athelstone when compared nationally

Athelstone has seen approximately 56 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 280 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with 8 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per new home annually over the past five financial years. This indicates a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $447,000. In comparison to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 74th percentile nationally in terms of building activity. New building activity comprises 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 169 people per approval, Athelstone reflects a low density area. Future projections indicate Athelstone adding 834 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Athelstone has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Influence on local performance is significant due to changes in infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified three projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects are Verde at Athelstone, Athelstone Health Precinct, Nido Early School Athelstone, and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety. The following details those likely most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Athelstone significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Athelstone has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, with estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 5,718 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4%. Workforce participation in Athelstone is 66.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Education & training has a particularly high specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 14.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, labour force by 1.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, in line with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicate potential future demand within Athelstone. These projections suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Athelstone's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Athelstone had a median taxpayer income of $52,830 and an average of $64,519 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. These figures are comparable to national averages, differing from Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By March 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $58,551 and an average of $71,506, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since the financial year 2022. Income data from Census 2021 indicates that Athelstone's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 58th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort in Athelstone is 33.8% of locals (3,362 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, which aligns with broader regional trends at 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, demonstrating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

In Athelstone, as recorded in the latest Census, 84.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 73.7% houses and 26.3% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Athelstone was 45.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,736. The median weekly rent in Athelstone was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $345. Nationally, Athelstone's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.7% of all households, including 40.0% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.3%, consisting of 18.8% lone person households and 1.4% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Athelstone exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Athelstone faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 32.1%, 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 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (19.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.0%), secondary education (6.9%), and tertiary education (6.6%). Athelstone's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,977 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1098. Educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. Athelstone functions as an education hub with 19.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 11.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis reveals 44 active transport stops operating within Athelstone. These stops are serviced by 22 individual routes, collectively providing 823 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 117 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Athelstone is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Athelstone shows superior health outcomes with both youth and elderly experiencing low prevalence of common ailments.

Its private health cover rate stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~5,163 people). The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and mental health issues (6.9%), while 71% claim no medical ailments, comparable to Greater Adelaide's 71.5%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 21.3%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.8% (~2,116 people). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Athelstone was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Athelstone's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 28.6% born overseas and 25.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity dominated Athelstone's religious landscape, accounting for 59.1% of residents. Notably, the 'Other' religion category was slightly overrepresented in Athelstone (2.4%) compared to Greater Adelaide (2.8%).

In terms of ancestry, the largest groups were English (20.8%), Italian (20.8%), and Australian (19.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish residents made up 1.1% in Athelstone compared to 0.9% regionally, while Russian and Hungarian remained at 0.5% and 0.4% respectively, matching regional percentages.

Athelstone hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Athelstone is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of the population aged 75-84 increased from 6.5% to 7.8%, while the percentage of those aged 55-64 decreased from 14.2% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Athelstone's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 126%, reaching 532 people from 235. Notably, the combined total population growth will be largely driven by the 65+ age groups, accounting for 54%. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.