Gawler - South
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Gawler - South's population is approximately 24,088 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 2,426 people, equivalent to an 11.2% rise since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 21,662. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,817 in June 2024 and an additional 616 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 314 persons per square kilometer. Gawler - South's growth rate exceeded both the state average (6.7%) and metropolitan area figures, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 87.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas nationally, with Gawler - South expected to expand by 9,451 persons to 2041, representing a total gain of 38.1% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Gawler - South was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Gawler - South has seen approximately 267 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 1,337 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-2021 to FY-2025, and 31 approvals so far in FY-2026. On average, around two new residents arrive per new home each year over these five years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. The average value of new dwellings developed is $329,000, aligning with broader regional trends.

This financial year has seen $33.1 million in commercial development approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Gawler - South has 18.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 85th percentile of areas assessed nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (94.0%) with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (6.0%), preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 118 people per dwelling approval, Gawler - South exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts project an increase of 9,168 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Gawler - South has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones include Angle Vale Water and Sewer Infrastructure, Miravale Estate, Curtis Road and Heaslip Road Intersection Upgrade, and The Entrance Estate. The following details those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Gawler - South remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Gawler - South has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by 1.5% over the past year. There are 11,463 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 57.7%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Manufacturing shows strong specialization, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5% and labour force grew by 1.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% during the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts suggest employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.0% over ten years in Gawler - South, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending 30 June 2022 shows median income in Gawler - South at $52,786 and average income at $59,822. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886 during the same period. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,503 (median) and $66,301 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year ending 2022. The 2021 Census reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Gawler - South rank modestly, between the 23rd and 28th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 30.9% of residents (7,443 people) fall into the $1,500-$2,999 bracket, consistent with metropolitan trends at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gawler - South, with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

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

In Gawler - South as recorded in the latest Census, 80.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 19.1% being semi-detached, apartments or other types. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gawler - South was at 30.7%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings made up 40.3% while rented ones were 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,400, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,500 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Gawler - South was $285, compared to Adelaide metro's $290 and the national average of $375.

Gawler - South has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.0% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Gawler - South fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has lower university qualification rates than the Australian average, with 15.3% compared to 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 29.5%. Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. The area has a network of 10 schools educating approximately 4,954 students. Gawler - South demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 998) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 6 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Gawler-South has 115 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes, cumulatively providing 894 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents being an average of 344 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 127 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gawler - South is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Gawler - South. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 50% (~11,923 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 10.9% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.4%. Around 59.7% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.0% (5,292 people), compared to 19.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to those seen in the general population.

Gawler - South ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Gawler-South, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity below average. Its population comprised 81.7% born in Australia, 91.6% citizens, and 94.8% speaking English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 43.3%.

The 'Other' religious category saw an overrepresentation with 0.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.5%. Ancestry-wise, English (36.1%) and Australian (28.2%) were the top groups, followed by German at 6.8%. Notable differences existed for Dutch (1.5% vs regional 1.5%), Italian (3.0% vs 3.2%), and Maltese (0.4% vs 0.5%).

Gawler - South hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age of Gawler - South is 42, which is slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 11.1% of the population in Gawler - South, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.2%, indicating a growth in this demographic. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.1% to 11.0%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.6% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Gawler - South's age profile. Notably, the 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 83%, adding 1,541 people and reaching a total of 3,389 from its current figure of 1,847.