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

As of November 2025, Athelstone's population is approximately 9,946, reflecting a 3.6% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 9,601 people. This growth can be inferred from ABS estimates: the resident population was 9,876 in June 2024, with an additional 89 validated new addresses 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 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, 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 suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, Athelstone is projected to gain an additional 906 persons, 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 home approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 280 homes. As of FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents arrive per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $312,000.

This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 74th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. 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 for buyers seeking space.

With around 169 people per approval, Athelstone reflects low density characteristics. Future projections estimate an addition of 836 residents by 2041. Given 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially impacting the region. Key initiatives include Highbury Aqueduct Reserve Master Plan Implementation, Verde in Athelstone, Campbelltown Performing Arts Centre, and Newton Village Shopping Centre Expansion. Below is a list detailing 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 a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 5,718 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is at 66.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 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 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force increased by 1.7%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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. This is comparable to national averages, unlike Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,608 (median) and $72,797 (average). Census 2021 data shows Athelstone's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 58th percentile nationally. Income analysis indicates that 33.8% of locals (3,361 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region at 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 73.7% houses and 26.3% 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, 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 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%, substantially 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 prominent, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (19.6%). Educational participation is high at 26.9%, with 9.0% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

The area has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 1,977 students and demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1098). It includes 2 primary and 1 K-12 school, functioning 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 indicates 44 active public transport stops in Athelstone, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 22 different routes that collectively facilitate 823 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 117 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 above-average health outcomes, with both younger and older age groups experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 region (~5,161 people). Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in Athelstone, affecting 7.7% and 6.9% of residents respectively. Around 71.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 71.5% across Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.3%, with 2,116 people falling into this age group, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 19.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Athelstone are particularly 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 high cultural diversity, with 28.6% born overseas and 25.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 59.1%. The 'Other' religious category had a slightly higher representation in Athelstone (2.4%) compared to Greater Adelaide (2.8%).

For ancestry, the top groups were English (20.8%), Italian (20.8%), and Australian (19.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.1% vs regional 0.9%, Russian matched regionally at 0.5%, and Hungarian also matched regionally at 0.4%.

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 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 has increased from 6.5% to 7.8% of Athelstone's population, while the 55-64 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Athelstone's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 126%, reaching 532 people 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.