Elizabeth East

Population growth drivers in Elizabeth East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Elizabeth East's population is around 14,501 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 454 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,047 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,444 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,772 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Elizabeth East has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the state. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 68.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 4,514 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 30.7% in total over the 17 years.

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, with 212 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 45 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.8 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $194,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East shows substantially reduced construction (83.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% town townhouse or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 558 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Elizabeth East is expected to grow by 4,457 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Elizabeth East 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, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Elizabeth Vale Family Health and Wellbeing Hub, Edinburgh Central Mixed Use Development, Blakes Crossing Master Planned Community, and Lionsgate Business Park, 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.

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.

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

Elizabeth East possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 10.1%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,904 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.3% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (57.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 3.3% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.3% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 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 East. 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 East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% 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 East SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $45,396 and an average of $48,771 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,391 (median) and $53,063 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Elizabeth East all fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 29.9% of residents (4,335 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile.

Elizabeth East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Elizabeth East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.9% houses and 17.1% 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 East lagged that of Adelaide metro, at 24.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Adelaide metro average at $1,233, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $251, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Elizabeth East's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Elizabeth East has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 69.5% of all households, comprising 27.7% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Elizabeth East 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 (10.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 82 active transport stops operating within Elizabeth East, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 1,066 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 152 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Elizabeth East 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 East, 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 (~6,684 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 asthma, impacting 11.3% and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 62.0% 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 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,266 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.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Elizabeth East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Elizabeth East is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.9% of its population born overseas and 18.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Elizabeth East is Christianity, which makes up 35.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 8.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Elizabeth East are English, comprising 32.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.0% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Elizabeth East (vs 0.4% regionally), German at 4.1% (vs 5.1%) and Welsh at 0.6% (vs 0.6%).

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

The 36-year median age in Elizabeth East is modestly under Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (14.2%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (4.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.4% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, Elizabeth East is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 53% (821 people), reaching 2,377 from 1,555.