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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at approximately 14,485 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 438 individuals (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,047 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,444 reported by the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,770 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Elizabeth East exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming the state's average. Population growth was predominantly driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 68.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 by age category are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Elizabeth East, with an expected rise of 4,514 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 30.9% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Elizabeth East has averaged approximately 42 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 212 homes were approved, with an additional 34 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over this period has resulted in an average of 2.8 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value for these dwellings is $194,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting a predominant focus on residential development compared to Greater Adelaide. Elizabeth East's new construction activity is significantly lower than the regional average (83.0% below), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes due to constrained supply. This activity is also below national averages, likely due to the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. The recent construction consists of 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

As of now, there are approximately 558 people per dwelling approval in Elizabeth East, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Elizabeth East is projected to grow by 4,473 residents by 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 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones 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 likely to be relevant.

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

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

Elizabeth East's workforce comprises an equal distribution of white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.9% as of September 2025, indicating a need for improvement compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%.

As of September 2025, 5,919 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.9% above Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation in Elizabeth East lagged significantly at 57.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employed only 3.3% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while the labour force grew by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a smaller reduction in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall 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 employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Elizabeth East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,396 and an average of $48,771 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Adelaide reporting a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $49,391 (median) and $53,063 (average). Census figures from 2021 indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Elizabeth East fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 dominates with 29.9% of residents (4,331 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 after housing costs, 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, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth East stood at 24.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,233, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent was recorded 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% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 18.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households making up 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 10.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.4% and certificates at 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 considered good, with residents typically residing 215 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 91%, while buses account 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 daily across all routes, translating 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 46% (~6,677 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.3% and 9.6% of residents respectively, while 62.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide.

Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,246 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.9% of its population born overseas and 18.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Elizabeth East as of 35.9%. Islam's representation was significantly higher at 8.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (32.1%), Australian (25.0%), and Other (13.3%). Notably, Maltese had a higher representation in Elizabeth East at 0.6% versus the regional average of 0.4%, while German was slightly lower at 4.1% compared to 5.1%. Welsh representation remained similar 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 lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 at 14.3%, but fewer residents aged 75-84 at 4.7%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 12.4% to 13.6%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, Elizabeth East is projected to experience significant changes in its age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 51%, reaching a total of 2,377 people from the current figure of 1,570.