Elizabeth

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Elizabeth's population is around 11,584 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 755 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,829 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,461 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,251 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elizabeth's 7.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the state (9.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 3,888 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 32.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Elizabeth has recorded around 28 residential properties granted approval each year, with 143 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 31 so far in FY-26. With an average of 4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $230,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $217.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

When measured against Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth has significantly less development activity (86.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's 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 show Elizabeth adding 3,765 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Elizabeth has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Playford Health Hub, Lionsgate Business Park, Northern Suburbs Primary School, and Lyell McEwin Hospital Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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

Elizabeth possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 22.2%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,014 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 18.4% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (43.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 2.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. With 1.1 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while the labour force increased by 1.1%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Elizabeth. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Elizabeth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Elizabeth SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Elizabeth SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,293 and the average income stands at $50,145, which compares to figures for Greater Adelaide's of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,367 (median) and $54,558 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Elizabeth all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 34.0% of locals (3,938 people) in the $400 - 799 category, unlike trends in the metropolitan region where 31.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Lower income households are notably prevalent, with 48.4% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 2nd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Elizabeth, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 51.5% houses and 48.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Elizabeth was lagging that of Adelaide metro, at 19.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (22.6%) or rented (58.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Adelaide metro average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $225, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Elizabeth's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 56.2% of all households, comprising 19.6% couples with children, 15.3% couples without children, and 19.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 43.8%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (7.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 5.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.0%) and certificates (28.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 98 active transport stops operating within Elizabeth, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 34 individual routes, collectively providing 2,630 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 375 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Elizabeth, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,317 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.7% and 10.3% of residents, respectively, while 58.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,891 people), which is lower than the 19.3% 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 34.0% of its population born overseas and 27.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Elizabeth is Christianity, which makes up 37.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 7.1% of the population, compared to 3.0% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Elizabeth are English, comprising 28.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 20.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 4.2% of Elizabeth (vs 1.2% regionally), German at 3.6% (vs 5.1%) and Russian at 0.3% (vs 0.3%).

Elizabeth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in Elizabeth is modestly under Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.4%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (8.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.1% to 13.2% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort increased from 14.3% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.9%. By 2041, Elizabeth is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 53% (646 people), reaching 1,878 from 1,231.