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 11,584 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 755 people, a 7.0% rise from the 2021 Census total of 10,829 residents. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 11,461 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,251 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Elizabeth's 7.0% growth since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of the state's 8.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 85.0% of overall population gains in 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. Future population dynamics forecast a significant increase in Elizabeth, with an expected growth of 3,888 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 32.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Elizabeth recorded approximately 28 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), 143 homes were approved, with a further 30 approved in FY-26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 4 people over these years.

This supply lagged demand significantly, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes were constructed at an average value of $230,000, reflecting more affordable housing options. Commercial approvals totaled $217.0 million in FY-26, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth had 86.0% less development activity per person. This limited new supply supported stronger demand and values for established homes, with building activity accelerating recently but still below national average, suggesting possible planning constraints.

New developments consisted of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Elizabeth's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. Developers built more traditional houses than the current mix suggested (52.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 322 people per dwelling approval, Elizabeth showed a developing market. Future projections estimated an addition of 3,765 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply might 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects potentially 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 those most likely to be relevant.

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 representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly present. The unemployment rate was 21.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3%.

As of September 2025, there were 3,030 residents employed while the unemployment rate stood at 17.8%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 43.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.5%. According to Census responses, only 4.0% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing had a particularly high share of employment at 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical services employed just 2.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. There was an employment-to-resident ratio of 1.1, indicating the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and 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 decrease in unemployment of 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Elizabeth's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 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

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. These figures are below Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $50,367 and the average income around $54,558, accounting for an 8.8% growth since financial year 2023 as per Wage Price Index data. Census data shows that incomes in Elizabeth fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income bracket spans 34.0% of locals (3,938 people), with incomes ranging from $400 to $799 weekly. This is unlike metropolitan trends where 31.8% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. A significant proportion, 48.4%, of households in Elizabeth earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.3% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, comprised 51.5% houses and 48.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% 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. The median weekly rent figure in Elizabeth was $225, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Elizabeth's 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 are the most prevalent, accounting for 56.2% of all households. They consist of 19.6% couples with children, 15.3% couples without children, and 19.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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

In the area, university qualification rates stand at 7.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent among qualifications, with 5.5% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, as 34.4% of residents aged 15+ possess vocational credentials: 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

Elizabeth has 98 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 34 routes, providing 2,630 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 203 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of travel at 88%, while bus usage stands at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.0% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 375 trips per day, 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

Elizabeth faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,317 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.7% and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,880 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.0%. 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 34.0% of its population born overseas and 27.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Elizabeth, making up 37.2% of people there. However, Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 7.1% of Elizabeth's population versus 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.3%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (20.6%), the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7%. There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% versus 1.2%, German at 3.6% versus 5.1%, and Russian at 0.3% versus 0.3%.

Elizabeth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Elizabeth is 36 years, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 years old (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 years old (7.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 12.1% to 13.2%. Conversely, the population aged 45-54 has decreased from 11.5% to 10.6%. By 2041, Elizabeth's age composition is expected to change significantly. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 53%, increasing from 1,229 to 1,878 people.