Brighton (SA)
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Brighton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Brighton SA's population is 15,806 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 615 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,191. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 15,733 in June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,669 persons per square kilometer, placing Brighton in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Brighton has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, Brighton is expected to increase by 1,784 persons to reach a total of 17,590 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 10.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Brighton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Brighton has received approximately 88 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 441 homes. As of FY26, 32 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is $476,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $29.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Brighton's construction rates per person are similar to Greater Adelaide, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 72% standalone homes and 28% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban character.

With around 188 people per approval, Brighton is a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,707 residents by 2041. At current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Tram Grade Separation at Morphett Road, Morphettville, and Southern Suburbs Residential Policy Code Amendment. Other notable projects include River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project and Tram Grade Separation Projects.

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.

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

Brighton SA has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%. In June 2025, 8,081 residents were employed with workforce participation at 57.1%, below Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services are dominant employment sectors among residents. Education & training shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Manufacturing, however, has lower representation at 4.9% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force grew by 2.7%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand in Brighton. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Brighton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Brighton at $55,025 and average income at $73,188. In Greater Adelaide, the median income is $52,592 with an average of $64,886. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,085 (median) and $82,578 (average), based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Brighton's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 51st percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 28.6% of Brighton's population (4,520 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the regional figure of 31.8%. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. Brighton's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Brighton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Brighton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 67.3% houses and 32.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 52.9% houses and 47.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brighton stood at 42.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.2% and rented dwellings at 24.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,952, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Brighton was $350, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Brighton's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,952 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Brighton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.7% of all households, including 26.7% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.3% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

Brighton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Brighton's educational attainment exceeds national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 36.3% possess university qualifications compared to 25.7% nationally and 28.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.3% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 18.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. Brighton's five schools have a combined enrollment of 3,696 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1088. Education provision is balanced, with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Brighton has 71 active public transport stops. These are a mix of train and bus stations. They are served by 27 different routes which together provide 1,886 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is good with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 269 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Brighton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Brighton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 56% (~8,851 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (8.0%). About 65.4% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 65.9% in Greater Adelaide. Around 28.0% (~4,419 people) are aged 65 or over.

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

Brighton's cultural diversity is above average, with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Brighton, accounting for 45.2%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 0.1% of Brighton's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.9%), Australian (24.6%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, German, Welsh, and Polish ethnicities have similar representation in Brighton as they do regionally.

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

Brighton's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Brighton has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 8.4% to 10.0%, while the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 10.4% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 15.1% to 13.5%. By 2041, Brighton's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 94%, reaching 1,197 people from 618. This demographic aging will result in residents aged 65 and older representing 65% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.