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 around 11,584 as of February 2026. This reflected an increase of 755 people, a 7.0% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 10,829 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,461 in June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1,251 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Elizabeth's growth rate of 7.0% since the census positioned it within 2.0 percentage points of the state's growth rate of 9.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving the area's population growth.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends forecasted a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The area was expected to increase by 3,888 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 32.5% over the 17 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 a further 30 approved in FY-26 as of the present time. On average, about 4 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This has resulted in supply significantly lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $230,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, there have been $217.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth has significantly less development activity, with an 86.0% decrease from the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, though it remains below national averages, suggesting 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 estimate that Elizabeth will add 3,765 residents by 2041, based on 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Playford Health Hub, Lionsgate Business Park, Northern Suburbs Primary School, and Lyell McEwin Hospital Expansion. The following list details projects expected to have the 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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, strongly represented by manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 21.7% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year. This rate is 17.8% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 43.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Only 4.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, employing 1.9 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employ only 2.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. There are 1.1 jobs for every resident, indicating the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 1.4%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% 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.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Elizabeth SA2 was $46,293 and the average income was $50,145 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This compares to figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $50,367 (median) and $54,558 (average). Census data shows that incomes in Elizabeth fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket spans 34.0% of locals, with 3,938 people earning between $400 and $799 weekly, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.8% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Lower income households are 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 nationally.

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

Elizabeth's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 51.5% houses and 48.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth was at 19.0%, with the rest mortgaged (22.6%) or rented (58.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Elizabeth was $1,083, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent was recorded at $225, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 prevalent at 5.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 203 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%, while buses account for 7%. The average vehicle ownership is 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 375 trips daily across all routes, translating 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

Elizabeth faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 5,317 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. Conversely, 58.3% reported no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,891 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 34.0% born overseas and 27.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Elizabeth, comprising 37.2%. Islam was overrepresented in Elizabeth at 7.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.3%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (20.6%), significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented in Elizabeth at 4.2% compared to the region's 1.2%, while German was underrepresented at 3.6% versus 5.1%. Russian representation remained similar at 0.3%.

Elizabeth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Elizabeth is 36 years, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.4%) but fewer individuals aged 65-74 (8.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group of 35-44 has increased from 12.1% to 13.2%, while the 5-14 cohort rose from 14.3% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.9%. By 2041, Elizabeth is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 45-54 group expected to grow by 53%, reaching 1,878 people from 1,231.