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

Elizabeth East's population was approximately 14,551 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 504 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,047. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 14,479 in June 2025 and an additional 51 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,778 persons per square kilometer, above the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.5% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Future trends forecast a significant population increase: by 2041, Elizabeth East is expected to grow by 4,315 persons, reflecting a total increase of 29.2% over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Elizabeth East has seen approximately 42 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 212 homes were approved, with an additional 73 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 2.8 people have moved to the area per new home constructed during these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $194,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential development. When measured against Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East records significantly lower building activity, with 83.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's building activity is also below the national average, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity shows a dominance of standalone homes at 84.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 16.0%, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 558 people per dwelling approval, Elizabeth East reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 4,243 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 17 such projects that are expected to influence the area. Notable among these are the WCH Foundation Family Health and Wellbeing Hub, Edinburgh Central Mixed Use Development, Blakes Crossing Master Planned Community, and Lionsgate Business Park. The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Elizabeth East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Elizabeth East has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 10.1%, and estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year. As of December 2025, 5904 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.3%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Elizabeth East lags at 57.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%.

Census responses show that only 5.8% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in manufacturing with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, but professional & technical services are underrepresented at 3.3% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the resident population versus working population count.

Over the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, and labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced higher employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a similar reduction in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Elizabeth East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Elizabeth East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $45,396 and an average of $48,771. This is below the national average. Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17%, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $50,013 (median) and $53,731 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Elizabeth East fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 29.9% of locals (4,350 people) have incomes in the $800 - 1,499 category, 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 nationally.

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

Elizabeth East's dwelling structure in its latest Census report showed 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth East was at 24.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (41.2%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,233, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure stood at $251, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. 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 higher-than-average median household size

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

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.8%, 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 the most common, at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is 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

Elizabeth East has 82 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 1,066 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 215 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 91%, while bus accounts for 6%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The 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

Elizabeth East faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through 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 (around 6,708 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.3%) and asthma (9.6%). Conversely, 62.0% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,283 people), lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.9% of its residents born overseas and 18.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Elizabeth East as of 2016, with 35.9%. Islam, however, was significantly more prevalent at 8.5%, exceeding the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (25.0%), and Other (13.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maltese made up 0.6% in Elizabeth East compared to 0.4% regionally, German was at 4.1% versus the regional average of 5.1%, and Welsh remained consistent at 0.6%.

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 (4.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 12.4% to 13.8%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%. By the year 2041, Elizabeth East is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 51% (797 people), reaching a total of 2,368 from the current figure of 1,570.