Athelstone

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

As of Feb 2026, Athelstone's population is approximately 9,959, reflecting a 3.7% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 9,601 people. This increase is inferred from ABS' June 2024 estimated resident population of 9,876 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,606 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.8% of recent population gains. 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, South Australian State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Athelstone is expected to increase by approximately 906 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.3% total increase over the 17 years.

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

Athelstone has seen approximately 56 new home approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals 280 homes from FY-18 to FY-22. As of FY-26, 26 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand in the market.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $312,000. In this financial year, there have been $1.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Athelstone's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone demonstrates around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 73rd percentile nationally when assessed against other areas.

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 suitable for 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 823 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Athelstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely affecting the area. Notable initiatives include Highbury Aqueduct Reserve Master Plan Implementation, Verde in Athelstone, Modbury Hospital Redevelopment, and Campbelltown Performing Arts Centre. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3%.

As of September 2025, there were 5,709 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Athelstone was 70.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 12.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Education & training had an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance was under-represented at 14.7%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0% while labour force increased by 3.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment in Athelstone expected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

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

The median taxpayer income for Athelstone SA2 is $56,431 and the average is $67,949 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is comparable to national averages, contrasting with Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $61,397 (median) and $73,929 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Athelstone cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 33.8% of locals (3,366 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.8% 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

Athelstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Athelstone stood at 45.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Athelstone was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Athelstone's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 constitute the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 1.4%. 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 prevalent, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (19.6%). Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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

Athelstone has 44 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 23 different routes that together facilitate 827 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 225 meters, indicating good accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 87% of residents, while buses are used by 11%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Athelstone, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.0% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 118 trips per day, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Athelstone's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data for Athelstone shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover is present in approximately 53% of the total population, which is around 5,238 people, leading that of the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 6.9% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 71.0%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 21.9% (2,182 people), than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 high diversity, with 28.6% born overseas and 25.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 59.1%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 2.4%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Athelstone had notable differences from regional averages: English (20.8% vs 27.8%), Italian (20.8% vs 5.2%), and Australian (19.0%). Polish (1.1% vs 1.0%), Russian (0.5% vs 0.3%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) groups were overrepresented in Athelstone compared to regional averages.

Athelstone's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Athelstone is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years, and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group in Athelstone grew from 6.5% to 8.1% of the population, while the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.2% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Athelstone's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 109%, reaching 532 people from 254. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 55-64 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.