Elizabeth

Population growth drivers in Elizabeth are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Elizabeth's population was approximately 11,627 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 798 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,829 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,567 in June 2025 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,255 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elizabeth's growth rate of 7.4% since the census is within 0.1 percentage points of the state's rate of 7.5%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in Elizabeth's top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The area is forecasted to increase by 3,662 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 31.0% over the 16 years.

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

Elizabeth recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25143 homes were approved, with an additional 49 approved in FY-26. Each year, on average, around four people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are constructed at an average value of $230,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY-26, there have been $217.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. However, compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth has significantly less development activity, 85.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Building activity has accelerated recently but remains below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in Elizabeth consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (52.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 322 people per dwelling approval, Elizabeth shows a developing market. Future projections estimate an addition of 3,602 residents by 2041, potentially leading to housing supply struggles in matching population growth and heightening buyer competition, supporting price increases at current development rates.

Elizabeth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Playford Health Hub, Lionsgate Business Park, Northern Suburbs Primary School, and Lyell McEwin Hospital Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Elizabeth face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Elizabeth's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 22.2% as of December 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1.8% from the previous year.

In comparison to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth's unemployment rate is higher by 18.4%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Elizabeth lags significantly at 43.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, only 4.0% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services employ just 2.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. As at the Census, there are 1.1 jobs for every resident, indicating Elizabeth functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elizabeth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Elizabeth SA2's median income among taxpayers was $46,293 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $50,145 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. By March 2026, estimates project median income to be approximately $51,001 and average income around $55,245, based on a 10.17% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Elizabeth fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 34.0% of locals (3,953 people) predominantly earn within the $400 - $799 category, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.8% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Lower income households are notably prevalent, with 48.4% earning below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, as only 77.3% of income remains, ranking at the 2nd percentile nationally.

Elizabeth displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Elizabeth's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 51.5% houses and 48.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 71.2% houses and 28.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth stood at 19.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.6% and rented ones at 58.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Elizabeth was $225, lower than Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Elizabeth's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 56.2% of all households, including 19.6% couples with children, 15.3% couples without children, and 19.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.8%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 5.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 6.0% and certificates for 28.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Elizabeth has 98 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 34 routes, collectively facilitating 2,630 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with bus usage at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.0% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 375 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per stop.

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

Elizabeth faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 5,336 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 12.7% and 10.3% of residents respectively, while 58.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. The area has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,866 people), lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Elizabeth 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

Elizabeth's population was found to have a higher overseas-born percentage, at 34.0%, compared to most local markets. Additionally, 27.8% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Elizabeth, with 37.2% of people identifying as such, while Islam comprised 7.1%, which is higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.3%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (20.6%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher in Elizabeth at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, while German representation stood at 3.6% versus the region's 5.1%. Russian ancestry was present at 0.3% in both Elizabeth and the broader region.

Elizabeth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Elizabeth has a median age of 35, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 5-14 years old shows strong representation in Elizabeth at 15.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide. However, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Elizabeth at 7.9%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 12.1% to 13.6%, while the 5-14 age group increased from 14.3% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort declined from 11.5% to 10.4%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 11.6% to 10.5%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Elizabeth's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 51%, adding 616 people and reaching a total of 1,828 from its previous figure of 1,211.