Athelstone

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 November 2025, is approximately 9,946. This figure represents an increase of 345 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,601. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 9,876 residents in June 2024 and 89 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,604 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.8% of overall population gains during 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Athelstone is expected to increase by approximately 906 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 8.4% over the 17 years.

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

Athelstone has seen approximately 56 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 280 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings over this period is $312,000.

In FY-26, $1.9 million in commercial approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 73rd percentile nationally when measured by area assessments. New building activity comprises approximately 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Athelstone reflects a low density area, with around 169 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Athelstone is projected to add 836 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Athelstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Highbury Aqueduct Reserve Master Plan Implementation, Verde in Athelstone, Campbelltown Performing Arts Centre, and Thorndon Park Reserve Master Plan Implementation (Ongoing). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Athelstone has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.0%. As of September 2025, 5,709 residents are employed, with a local unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Adelaide's. Workforce participation is 66.6%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Notably, education & training has 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%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by a similar rate, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, along with a slight drop in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%, and employment growth is at 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Athelstone's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The median taxpayer income in Athelstone SA2 was $52,830 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. The average income was $64,519. This is comparable to national averages, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,608 (median) and $72,797 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Athelstone cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.8% of locals (3,361 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 31.8% are in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, indicating 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 per the latest Census evaluation, 84.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metro's figures of 73.7% houses and 26.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Athelstone stood at 45.0%, with mortgaged properties making up 41.8% and rented dwellings accounting for 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,736. The median weekly rent in Athelstone was recorded at $360, compared to Adelaide metro's figure of $345. Nationally, Athelstone's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent is 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%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. 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

The area's university qualification rate is 32.1%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 30.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 19.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.0% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 6.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 44 active stops operating in Athelstone, serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by 22 unique routes, offering 823 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents usually located 224 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 117 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 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 above-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions.

The private health cover rate is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~5,161 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.7%) and mental health issues (6.9%), while 71% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.5% in Greater Adelaide. Residents aged 65 and over make up 21.3%, higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 19.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Athelstone was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Athelstone's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 28.6% born overseas and 25.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Athelstone, accounting for 59.1%. The category 'Other' had a slightly higher representation in Athelstone at 2.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 2.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (20.8%), Italian (20.8%), and Australian (19.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was more prevalent at 1.1% in Athelstone, while Russian and Hungarian remained at the same level regionally, both at 0.5% and 0.4% respectively.

Athelstone's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Athelstone is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's median age 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 75-84 age group increased from 6.5% to 7.8%, while the 55-64 age group decreased from 14.2% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Athelstone's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 126% (296 people), reaching 532 from 235. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.