Elizabeth East
Statistical Area - sa2

Elizabeth East lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Elizabeth East's population was approximately 14,047 as of August 2021. By June 2024, it had risen to around 14,444, an increase of 397 people (2.8%). This growth is attributed to 42 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density in Elizabeth East was approximately 1,768 persons per square kilometer as of June 2024, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the decade from 2011 to 2021, Elizabeth East experienced a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the state's average growth rate. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.3% of the overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch is using 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 a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on these projections, Elizabeth East is expected to experience significant population growth, with an increase of 4,514 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 31.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Elizabeth East when compared nationally

Elizabeth East has averaged around 42 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 212 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, and an additional four so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built has attracted an average of 2.8 new residents per year over the past five financial years. The average construction cost value for new homes is $281,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers.

There have been $1.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East records markedly lower building activity, with 83.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 558 people per dwelling approval, Elizabeth East reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Elizabeth East is expected to grow by 4,488 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Elizabeth East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Elizabeth Vale Family Health and Wellbeing Hub, Edinburgh Central Mixed Use Development, Blakes Crossing Master Planned Community, and Lionsgate Business Park. The following list details those most relevant.

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

The labour market performance in Elizabeth East lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Elizabeth East's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 9.5%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 2.0%. As of June 2025, 6,032 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Elizabeth East was 53.3%, significantly lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing stood out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force by 1.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. State-level data to Sep-25 showed SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, in line with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 indicated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elizabeth East's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 5.9%% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Elizabeth East had median taxpayer income of $42,709 and average income of $46,575 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of March 2025 would be approximately $47,334 and estimated average income would be around $51,619. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Elizabeth East fell between the 10th and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and personal incomes. Income distribution showed that 29.9% earned $800 - $1499 weekly (4326 residents), unlike regional trends where 31.8% fell within the $1500 - $2999 range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Elizabeth East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Elizabeth East's housing structure, as per the latest Census, had 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 83.7% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth East was 24.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,233, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Elizabeth East was $251, compared to Adelaide metro's $265. Nationally, Elizabeth East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Elizabeth East has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates at 10.8%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is high at 30.0%, including 12.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education. Elizabeth East's four schools had a combined enrollment of 1,694 students as of the reported date. The area has varied educational conditions with three primary schools and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (11.7) are below the regional average (17.1), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Elizabeth East has 82 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 17 different routes that together facilitate 1,064 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average being located just 215 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are approximately 152 daily trips, which translates to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Elizabeth East is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Elizabeth East faces significant health challenges, as revealed by health data. Both younger and older age cohorts are affected by various conditions.

Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 6,714 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.3% and 9.6% of residents respectively. About 62% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 63.4%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.5%, with around 2,244 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 13.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Elizabeth East generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Elizabeth East 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 East had a higher linguistic diversity than most local markets, with 18.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home, as recorded in the Australian Census on 9 August 2016. Additionally, 27.9% of Elizabeth East's population was born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Elizabeth East, accounting for 35.9% of the population.

However, Islam was more prevalent in Elizabeth East compared to Greater Adelaide, with 8.5% of its population identifying as Muslim, whereas the regional average was 4.0%. The top three ancestry groups in Elizabeth East were English (32.1%), Australian (25.0%), and Other (13.3%). Notable deviations existed for certain ethnic groups: Maltese residents made up 0.6% of Elizabeth East's population, compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Germans constituted 4.1% versus 4.4% regionally, and Welsh residents comprised 0.6% against a regional average of 0.5%.

Elizabeth East's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Elizabeth East is 36 years, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also slightly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 has increased from 12.4% to 13.6% of the population in Elizabeth East. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%. By the year 2041, Elizabeth East is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 52%, adding 808 people and reaching a total of 2,377 from the previous figure of 1,568.