Elizabeth

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

According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Elizabeth stands at approximately 11,627 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 798 people (7.4%) from the 10,829 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 11,567 from June 2025 combined with 86 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Consequently, the population density reaches 1,255 persons per square kilometer, a figure that exceeds the average of the national sites evaluated by AreaSearch. The expansion rate of 7.4% since the census is within 0.1 percentage points of the state level of 7.5%, showing that the area maintains competitive growth dynamics. The main driver of this population increase was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 85.2% of the overall population gains in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 are utilized by AreaSearch for SA2 areas. In instances where SA2 data is unavailable, or for timeframes beyond 2032, regional and LGA age-category projections released by the SA State Government in 2023 based on 2021 data are used instead, applying a weighted aggregation method to convert LGA growth data to SA2 levels. Looking to future trends, the area is anticipated to experience substantial population growth, placing it in the top quartile of statistical areas assessed by AreaSearch. Based on the latest annual ERP figures, the population is predicted to grow by 3,662 persons by 2041, representing a total expansion of 31.0% over the 16 years.

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

Elizabeth averages approximately 28 home approvals annually, with a total of 143 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 77 approvals recorded during FY-26 so far. With an average of 3.8 new residents arriving for each completed dwelling over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping supply. This gap generally creates upward pricing pressure and heightens buyer competition. Meanwhile, the average value of newly constructed dwellings is $230,000, which sits below regional averages and offers more affordable entry points for home buyers. Additionally, commercial development approvals have reached $217.0 million this financial year, pointing to strong local business investment.

Construction activity in Elizabeth is considerably low when compared to Greater Adelaide, sitting 85.0% below the regional per capita average. This limited supply of new properties typically supports the pricing and demand of pre-existing homes, although building rates have risen recently. The construction volume also trails the national average, reflecting the established nature of the suburb and potentially pointing to planning constraints. The current composition of new residential projects consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, which helps retain the traditional suburban layout focused on spacious family residences. Notably, builders are focusing more on traditional houses than the established housing stock indicates (which was 52.0% at the Census), signaling sustained demand for family properties despite density considerations. The market shows developing characteristics, with about 326 people for each approved dwelling.

According to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, demographic forecasts indicate that Elizabeth is set to add 3,602 residents by 2041. If development continues at its current pace, the supply of housing may not keep up with this population increase, which could intensify buyer rivalry and push property prices upward.

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

Infrastructure changes, large-scale projects, and planning changes can have a major impact on local real estate markets. AreaSearch has identified 19 developments that are expected to influence the local area. Key projects include the Playford Health Hub, Lionsgate Business Park, the Northern Suburbs Primary School, and the Lyell McEwin Hospital Expansion, with details provided on those most relevant to the community.

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

The local workforce is split between white-collar and industrial or blue-collar roles, with a strong manufacturing sector presence, and an overall unemployment rate of 23.7%. As of March 2026, there are 2,975 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 19.8% higher than the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%, pointing to potential areas for labor market improvement. Furthermore, labor force participation is low, standing at 43.4% compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 66.6%. The Census recorded a low 4.0% of the working population working from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area exhibits a strong specialization in manufacturing jobs, with its employment share in this sector measuring 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 2.0% of the local workforce, compared to 7.3% across Greater Adelaide. With a ratio of 1.1 workers for every resident at the time of the Census, the locality operates as an employment center, containing more jobs than working residents and drawing commuters from neighboring suburbs.

AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months ending in March 2026, the local labor force expanded by 1.1% while employment fell by 2.5%, resulting in a 2.8 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2% and its labor force grow by 4.0%, while its unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points. Long-term trends can also be viewed through national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors will experience different rates of change. Applying these national industry trends directly to the local job profile suggests that employment in Elizabeth could rise by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, noting that this calculation is a basic weighted extrapolation for comparison and does not incorporate local population projections.

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

Based on ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, taxpayer income levels in the Elizabeth SA2 are below national averages. Taxpayers in the Elizabeth SA2 recorded a median income of $46,293 and an average income of $50,145, compared to median and average figures of $54,808 and $66,852 for Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,001 for median income and $55,245 for average income. Census data shows that personal, family, and household incomes in Elizabeth rank between the 0th and 1st percentiles on a national level. The largest income group comprises 34.0% of the local population (3,953 people) earning in the $400 - 799 bracket, contrasting with the wider metropolitan region where the largest cohort of 31.8% falls in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Lower income households are highly represented, with 48.4% of households earning less than $800 per week, indicating financial constraints for many residents. Affordability pressures are high, with only 77.3% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 2nd percentile.

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

According to the latest Census data, the dwelling mix in Elizabeth consisted of 51.5% houses and 48.4% other residences (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Adelaide metro split of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwelling types. The home ownership rate in Elizabeth was lower than the metropolitan average at 19.0%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by mortgage holders (22.6%) or renters (58.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,083, which is below the Adelaide metro average of $1,562, while the median weekly rent was $225, compared to the Adelaide metro average of $320. Nationally, mortgage payments in Elizabeth are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent is also below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 56.2%, which is composed of 19.6% couples with children, 15.3% couples without children, and 19.8% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.8%, consisting of lone person households at 39.4% and group households at 4.2%. The median household size of 2.4 people is slightly lower 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

Educational challenges are present in the area, as university qualification rates stand at 7.4%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a need for educational programs. Among tertiary qualifications, Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.3% and graduate diplomas at 0.6%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 34.4% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these areas, consisting of advanced diplomas (6.0%) and certificates (28.4%).

A high level of educational participation is observed in the area, with 33.2% of residents enrolled in formal studies. This total includes 13.9% of residents attending primary school, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.9% enrolled in tertiary institutions.

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

Analysis of public transit reveals that Elizabeth has 98 active transport stops, consisting of both bus and train infrastructure. These stops are served by 34 separate routes, which provide a total of 2,630 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 203 meters from their nearest transit stop. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the suburb, with most workers traveling outside the area; private cars are the main transit mode at 88%, followed by buses at 7%. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 0.8, which is lower than the metropolitan average. The 2021 Census recorded 4.0% of residents working from home, which may have been affected by COVID-19 measures.

Service frequency averages 375 trips per day across all transit routes, which equates to approximately 26 weekly trips for each transit 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

AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness rates highlights significant health challenges in Elizabeth, with several conditions impacting both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 46% of the population (~5,336 people) holding cover. This compares to a private cover rate of 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most common medical diagnoses in the suburb, affecting 12.7% and 10.3% of residents. Meanwhile, 58.3% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The local working-age demographic shows high rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged 65 and over account for 16.0% of the population (1,866 people), which is lower than the 19.2% average in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes for older residents show challenges, with national rankings aligning with those of the broader local 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 displays a higher level of cultural diversity than most suburban markets, with 34.0% of residents born outside Australia and 27.8% using a language other than English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 37.2% of the local population. Islam is notably represented at 7.1% of the population, which compares to 3.0% across Greater Adelaide.

Regarding family ancestry, the three largest groups in Elizabeth are English at 28.3% of the population, Australian at 24.4%, and Other ancestries at 20.6% (which is higher than the regional average of 9.7%). There are also variations in the representation of other backgrounds: Australian Aboriginal residents make up 4.2% of Elizabeth (compared to 1.2% across the wider region), German background is at 3.6% (compared to 5.1%), and Russian ancestry is at 0.3% (compared to 0.3% regionally).

Elizabeth's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Elizabeth has a median age of 35, making it younger than Greater Adelaide at 39 and Australia as a whole at 38. The 5 - 14 age group is represented at 15.3%, which is higher than the average for Greater Adelaide, while the 65 - 74 age group is less common at 7.9%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 12.1% to 13.6% of the population, and the 5 to 14 group has grown from 14.3% to 15.3%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 10.4%, and the 55 to 64 group has declined from 11.6% to 10.5%. Projections for 2041 point to shifts in the local age distribution, led by the 45 to 54 group, which is projected to grow by 51% (616 people) to reach 1,828, up from 1,211.