Christie Downs
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Christie Downs' population was approximately 9,734 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 259 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,475. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 9,673 in June 2024 and 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,135 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across areas assessed by AreaSearch. Christie Downs' growth rate of 2.7% since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Projected demographic shifts indicate Christie Downs is expected to grow by approximately 891 persons to reach a total population of around 10,625 by 2041, representing an increase of about 8.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Christie Downs according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Christie Downs has recorded approximately 23 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25117 homes were approved, and as of FY-26, 13 more have been approved. On average, over these five years, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the market, with new properties being constructed at an average expected cost of $192,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY-26, there have been $50.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Christie Downs has shown a substantially reduced construction rate, at 51.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below national averages, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 478 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. By 2041, Christie Downs is projected to grow by 823 residents. Development appears to be keeping pace with this projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Christie Downs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the area, including key initiatives like the Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project, Noarlunga Residential Development, Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 - Aldinga Project, and Noarlunga Hospital Mental Health Expansion. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Christie Downs lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Christie Downs has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 13.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. As of June 2025, 3,853 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 9.8%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Christie Downs lagged behind Greater Adelaide at 49.3% compared to 61.7%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with notable concentration in retail trade at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services showed lower representation at 3.8% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force increased by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise slightly from 13.8% to 13.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Christie Downs' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2022, Christie Downs had a median income among taxpayers of $44,995 and an average income of $49,309. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,768, with average income at $55,635. The 2021 Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Christie Downs fall between the 3rd and 7th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 29.1% of the population (2,832 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Christie Downs, with only 79.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Christie Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Christie Downs, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Christie Downs was at 22.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.8%) or rented (42.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,250, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Christie Downs' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Christie Downs features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.4 percent of all households, including 20.4 percent couples with children, 21.5 percent couples without children, and 17.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.6 percent, with lone person households at 35.8 percent and group households comprising 3.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Christie Downs faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (32.8%). Educational participation is high at 28.9%, comprising primary education (12.2%), secondary education (7.3%), and tertiary education (3.8%).

There are 11 schools serving 3,486 students in the area, including 3 primary, 6 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub with 35.8 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Christie Downs has 96 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 38 individual routes, facilitating 2,731 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 202 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 390 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Christie Downs is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Christie Downs faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~4,487 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 48.6% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 13.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 10.6%.

About 56.1% report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Adelaide's 62.9%. The area has 21.0% (2,043 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors' health outcomes presenting challenges similar to those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Christie Downs records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Christie Downs' cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average, with 86.2% of residents being Australian citizens, 77.7% born in Australia, and 91.5% speaking English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 36.5%. The 'Other' category comprises 0.7%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's average.

Top ancestral groups include English (34.6%), Australian (28.1%), and Scottish (6.1%). Notable differences exist in Welsh (0.8% vs regional 0.8%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and German (4.8% vs 5.4%) representation.

Christie Downs's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Christie Downs is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years, and slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 8.0% of the population in Christie Downs, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.6%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.3% to 8.0%, and the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Christie Downs, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 123% (from 234 to 528 people). The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort is projected to decline by 9 people.