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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Gilbert Valley has an estimated 5,221 residents, up from 5,016 at the 2021 Census — a change of 205 people, or 4.1%. 157 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to findings by AreaSearch, the population of Gilbert Valley is estimated at 5,221 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 205 residents (4.1%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 5,016 individuals. The calculation relies on the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 5,198 alongside 157 validated new addresses identified since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 3.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment. The 4.1% increase in Gilbert Valley since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (3.1%), positioning it as a local growth leader.
Overseas migration was the primary driver of these gains, accounting for roughly 54.3% of the total population increase during recent times. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this data and for projections past 2032, regional and LGA projections by age group from the SA State Government (released in 2023 using 2021 data) are applied, adjusted via a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 boundaries. Moving forward, demographic trends suggest growth aligned with the lower quartile of non-metropolitan locations, with the population projected to expand by 81 residents by 2041 compared to the most recent annual ERP statistics, indicating a total increase of 1.1% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
128 new dwellings have been approved in Gilbert Valley over the past five years, an average of 25 a year. That is 5.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 21 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 19, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential approvals in Gilbert Valley average approximately 25 annually, with 128 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) and 18 recorded so far in FY-26. Because only 0.7 new residents per constructed dwelling have been added on average over the last 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), the volume of new housing is matching or exceeding demand, providing buyers with plenty of options and creating room for population growth beyond forecasted levels, with new residences constructed at an average cost of $265,000. Additionally, commercial approvals reached $6.7 million this financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the region.
Gilbert Valley has experienced slightly higher development activity compared to the Rest of SA, running 38.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year timeframe, which helps preserve choice for buyers while supporting property demand. Furthermore, all recent building approvals have been for detached houses, which preserves the traditional low density layout of the area and emphasizes family residences that appeal to households desiring space. There are approximately 212 residents for every approved dwelling, confirming a low density real estate market. Demographic projections indicate that Gilbert Valley will add 58 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. At current building rates, residential supply appears positioned to satisfy demand, creating positive conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth that surpasses current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gilbert Valley
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 91 current infrastructure and development projects close to Gilbert Valley, worth an estimated $31.1 billion. 34 are already under construction and 40 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, planning decisions, and major projects are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects that are likely to influence the local area. The most relevant projects include Kidman Rise, Bundey BESS and Solar Project, Goyder Renewables Zone, and Robertstown Solar Project, with details on their relevance outlined in the following list.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Project EnergyConnect
Project EnergyConnect is a new 900-kilometre electricity interconnector (transmission line) to enhance transfer capacity between South Australia and New South Wales, with a connection to Victoria. It is delivered in two stages: SA Section (Stage One, 206 km, 150 MW capacity) and NSW Section (Stage Two, 700 km, 800 MW capacity), including new substations, transmission lines, and upgrades.
Kidman Rise
Kidman Rise is a residential land estate on the northern edge of Kapunda, offering large lots ranging from 437m2 to 1045m2, oriented for northern sun. Situated an hour from Adelaide, between Clare and Barossa valleys. The land has historical connection to Sidney Kidman.
Bundey BESS and Solar Project
A large scale renewable energy project northeast of Robertstown, SA, being progressed by Genaspi Energy Group. Current scope comprises a battery energy storage system of up to 1,200 MW / 3,900 MWh co located with a solar farm of up to 900 MW. The developer indicates the solar component has been lodged for development application while the BESS component proceeds under planning approval exemption pathways under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. The project is intended to improve grid stability and support decarbonisation across South Australia and connected states.
Blyth Battery
Grid-scale battery energy storage system sized at 238.5 MW / 477 MWh. Equipped with grid-forming inverter capability to provide system strength and stability services. Connected to ElectraNet's transmission network via the existing 275 kV Blyth West substation. Supports Neoen's 70 MW renewable energy baseload contract with BHP to help power Olympic Dam by firming output from Goyder South Stage 1 wind farm. Commissioned and operating from April 2025.
Goyder Renewables Zone
Neoen's flagship hybrid renewable energy hub combining wind, solar, and battery storage. Goyder South Stage 1 (412 MW) is operational, supporting contracts with the ACT Government, Flow Power, and BHP's Olympic Dam. Goyder North and the Goyder Battery are advancing through construction and planning in 2026. The total project will represent up to 2000MW wind, 1000MW solar, and 1500MW battery storage.
Robertstown Solar Project
The Robertstown Solar Project in South Australia proposes a 636-MW solar PV farm and 250 MW battery storage, connecting to the National Electricity Market at the Robertstown Substation over 1,800 hectares.
Freeling West Code Amendment
Code Amendment to rezone approximately 20 hectares of Rural Zoned land on the western side of Freeling, between Templers Road and Stockport Road adjacent to Derby Street, to the Suburban Neighbourhood Zone. The amendment is intended to enable a new low density residential neighbourhood of around 185 to 250 housing allotments, with a concept plan showing new local streets, linear open space along the existing creek, pedestrian and cycle links, stormwater detention areas and upgraded access to Templers Road and Stockport Road.The amendment was initiated on 21 March 2024, and the first round of public consultation ran from 1 October 2025 to 26 November 2025. It is now progressing to the Determination stage. Walton Rural Pty Ltd is the proponent (designated entity), with MasterPlan SA engaged to prepare the amendment and lead community consultation.
Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades
Upgrades to the Barrier Highway to improve safety and efficiency for all road users. The upgrades include pavement rehabilitation, shoulder widening, installation of safety barriers, and new line marking.
2,622 residents of Gilbert Valley are employed, from a labour force of 2,707. Unemployment sits at 3.1%, with participation at 60.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in Gilbert Valley is skilled and distributed across various sectors, showing an unemployment rate of just 3.1% and an estimated 4.1% growth in employment over the past year. In March 2026, there were 2,622 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.3% lower than the 5.5% recorded across Regional SA, while workforce participation is standard at 60.9% compared to 58.4% in Regional SA. Census data indicates that a moderate 16.4% of residents worked from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns. The primary employment sectors for residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.
The region is highly specialized in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with its share of employment reaching 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, retail trade is underrepresented, accounting for 6.4% of employment compared to 9.9% across the region. Local job opportunities appear limited, as shown by the relationship between the Census working population and the resident population. Analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch indicates that over a twelve-month span, employment rose by 4.1% while the labour force grew by 3.5%, which led to unemployment declining by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, the Regional SA area experienced a 1.2% increase in employment, a 2.6% expansion in the labour force, and a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia released national employment forecasts for May-25 that can provide additional context regarding future demand in Gilbert Valley. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid with local employment data to estimate regional growth trajectories. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral growth rates vary considerably. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Gilbert Valley's current employment composition, local employment is estimated to rise by 5.0% over five years and by 11.4% over ten years, with the caveat that this represents a basic weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and excludes localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gilbert Valley is $1,257 a week (about $65,000 a year), with median personal income at $659 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,452 a year against an average of $57,282. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode ATO statistics from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that incomes in the Gilbert Valley SA2 are lower than the national average, with a median of $45,452 and an average of $57,282. This compares to a median of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 in Regional SA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 are approximately $50,074 for the median and $63,108 for the average. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Gilbert Valley are positioned between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally.
Looking at income brackets, 27.7% of the population (1,446 individuals) earn between $800 and 1,499, differing from metropolitan areas where 27.5% earn between $1,500 and 2,999. Although housing costs are low with residents keeping 89.8% of their income, total disposable income sits at the 23rd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gilbert Valley had 2,000 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 0% apartments. 36% are owned with a mortgage, 17% rented and 47% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $225 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,100 a month. Rent absorbs 17.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Data from the latest Census shows that residential properties in Gilbert Valley consist of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwelling types, such as apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative housing, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership rates in Gilbert Valley are higher than the Regional SA average at 47.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 35.7% and rented properties accounting for 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage payment was lower than the regional average at $1,100, while the median weekly rent was $225, compared to $1,153 and $220 in Regional SA.
Nationally, mortgage payments in Gilbert Valley are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gilbert Valley counted 2,000 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 37% couples without children. 29% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 68.8%, consisting of couples with children at 24.1%, couples without children at 36.6%, and single parent families at 7.7%. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.2%, with single person households representing 29.1% and group houses making up 2.2% of all households. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is identical to the Regional SA average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.4% of adults in Gilbert Valley hold a university qualification, including 13.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.9% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 75% of areas nationally. A further 28.6% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 436 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 963 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present challenges, as the university qualification rate of 18.4% is lower than the Australian average of 30.4%, pointing to opportunities for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 28.6%. Enrolment rates are high, with 25.2% of the population participating in formal education. This includes 11.1% of residents in primary school, 7.9% in secondary school, and 1.8% in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Gilbert Valley means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.4% of residents in Gilbert Valley report no long-term health condition. 6.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates, health outcomes in Gilbert Valley are below average, with common health conditions being slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older cohorts, and private health coverage is low at about 48% of the population (~2,485 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 10.9% and 8.7% of residents, respectively, while 62.4% of the population reported no medical conditions, matching the 62.5% rate in Regional SA. The working-age population experiences elevated rates of chronic illness, presenting clear health challenges.
Residents aged 65 and older represent 29.4% of the population (1,537 people), exceeding the 27.1% share in Regional SA, though senior health outcomes rank above average, outperforming the general population statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Gilbert Valley is largely Australian-born, at 87.8% of residents, with 2.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.8%) and Australian (30.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Gilbert Valley is below average, with citizens representing 90.4% of the population, 87.8% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 50.0% of the population, compared to 45.2% in Regional SA. Regarding ancestry, the three most common parental countries of birth are English (34.8%), Australian (30.5%), and German (9.0%). Other ethnic backgrounds show some differences compared to the wider region, with Polish ancestry overrepresented at 0.8% of the population (versus 0.4% regionally), Dutch ancestry at 1.2% (versus 1.3%), and Irish ancestry at 7.9% (versus 5.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gilbert Valley is 51, older than 92% of areas nationally. 17.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 51 years in Gilbert Valley is older than the Regional SA average of 47 and the national average of 38. The population shows a high concentration of 55 - 64 year-olds at 17.1%, which is above the national average of 11.2%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller at 7.6% than in Regional SA. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age cohort grew from 8.0% to 10.0%, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 15.9% to 17.0%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group fell from 13.4% to 11.3%, and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.4%.
Looking toward 2041, demographic projections indicate shifts in age distribution. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to expand by 184 people (36%) from 520 to 705. Population aging is expected to continue, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for 82% of projected growth, while declines are anticipated in the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gilbert Valley
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 157 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,016 at the 2021 Census → 5,221 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (405021117). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.