Christies Beach
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Christies Beach's population, as of August 2025, stands at approximately 11,648. This figure represents an increase of 598 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,050. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; as of June 2024, the estimated resident population was 11,600, with an additional 81 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,613 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Christies Beach's growth rate of 5.4% since the 2021 census exceeds both its SA3 area (4.8%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 70.8% 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 by this data 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. According to these projections, Christies Beach is expected to grow by 1,686 persons to 2041, achieving a total growth of 14.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Christies Beach has granted around 100 residential properties approval annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 501 homes approved over the past five financial years, between FY-20 and FY-25, with 21 recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 2.2 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling during this period, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $350,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year has seen $9.2 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Christies Beach has 51.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. Recent construction comprises 66.0% detached houses and 34.0% medium and high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types catering to various price ranges. The location has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Looking ahead, Christies Beach is expected to grow by 1,638 residents by the year 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Christies Beach has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Five projects, identified by AreaSearch, are expected to impact the area significantly: Colonnades Shopping Centre Ongoing Upgrades, Noarlunga Hospital Mental Health Expansion (commenced 20th March 2019), Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project (expected completion 31st December 2020), and Noarlunga Downs Master Planned Development (commencement date not specified).

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

Employment performance in Christies Beach has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Christies Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.8% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

As of that date, 5,672 residents were in work, while the unemployment rate was 2.8% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 57.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.4% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force increased by 2.7%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and unemployment rise marginally. State-level data to Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Christies Beach's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Christies Beach had a median taxpayer income of $47,926 and an average income of $55,004 in financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures were lower than the averages of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively for Greater Adelaide. By March 2025, estimates suggest median incomes will reach approximately $53,116 and average incomes $60,961, based on a 10.83% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Christies Beach's household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 15th and 20th percentiles nationally in the 2021 Census. Income analysis reveals that 29.0% of Christies Beach residents (3,377 individuals) earn 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 Christies Beach, with only 81.5% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Christies Beach's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.9% houses and 19.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 80.9% houses and 19.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Christies Beach was at 29.5%, with the rest being mortgaged at 33.3% or rented at 37.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,394, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,863, and the median weekly rent figure was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Christies Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.1% of all households, including 21.1% composed of couples with children, 25.0% consisting of couples without children, and 15.6% made up of single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households comprising 32.9% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Christies Beach fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Christies Beach has lower university qualification rates at 17.8% compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (12.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (30.4%). Active pursuit of formal education is high at 24.3%, with 8.6% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

The five schools in Christies Beach have a combined enrollment of 1,189 students and demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 989). All five schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 10.2 compared to 13.6, possibly leading some students to attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Christies Beach has 64 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that together facilitate 1,122 weekly passenger trips. The transportation accessibility in the area is rated as good, with residents being an average of 203 meters away from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 160 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to around 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Christies Beach is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Christies Beach faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit a high prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 48% of the total population (~5,544 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4 and 10.1% of residents respectively. In contrast, 59.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of a specific date (not specified), 20.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,376 people). The health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly mirroring the general population's health profile.

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

Christies Beach's cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, with 74.9% born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 35.2%. Notably, the 'Other' category represents 0.8%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (36.4%), Australian (24.9%), and Scottish (7.8%). Dutch (1.9%) and Welsh (0.8%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while German representation is equal at 5.4%.

Christies Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Christies Beach has a median age of 42, which is slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and notably higher than the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 years old comprises 12.5% of Christies Beach's population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure, while the 5-14 age group makes up 10.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.3% to 13.8%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, Christies Beach's age profile is projected to change significantly. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 20%, adding 284 people to reach a total of 1,675 from the current 1,390. The 55 to 64 age group is forecasted to grow more modestly at 5%, with an increase of 77 residents.