Modbury Heights

Modbury Heights is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Modbury Heights' population is around 19,810 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 562 people, representing a growth of 2.9% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 19,248. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,790 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,999 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Modbury Heights' 2.9% growth since census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 60.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for Modbury Heights, with the area expected to grow by 1,096 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall gain of 5.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Modbury Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Modbury Heights has recorded approximately 56 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25284 homes were approved, with an additional 32 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, each dwelling constructed accommodates about 1.4 new residents per year.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $299,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year has seen $30.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Modbury Heights shows approximately 61% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 36th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Modbury Heights comprises 93.0% standalone homes and 7.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 471 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Looking ahead, Modbury Heights is expected to grow by 1,069 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Modbury Heights has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to affect the region. Notable projects include Wynn Vale Grove Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Tea Tree Gully Sustainable Sewers Program, Tilley Recreation Park Indoor Training Facility, and Modbury Sporting Club Building and Sportsfield Lighting. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Modbury Heights demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Modbury Heights has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 4%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%. As of June 2025, 10,726 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation is 64.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 4.9% versus the regional average of 6.8%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, labour force by 1.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Modbury Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Modbury Heights SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $51,728 and an average income of $57,805. Nationally, the averages were $52,592 and $64,886 respectively in Greater Adelaide. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $58,365 (median) and $65,221 (average), based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in Modbury Heights, between the 44th and 46th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 35.4% of the population (7,012 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.8%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.0% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Modbury Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.2% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Adelaide metro had 88.6% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Modbury Heights was 37.0%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (44.6%) or rented (18.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Modbury Heights was $330, matching Adelaide metro's figure. Nationally, Modbury Heights' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Modbury Heights were substantially below the national average of $375 at $330.

Modbury Heights has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.1% of all households, including 34.3% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.9%, with lone person households at 22.0% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Modbury Heights performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Modbury Heights has lower university degree holders than the national average, with 21.8% of residents aged 15+ having such qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4%. This discrepancy suggests room for educational advancement and skill improvement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing them – advanced diplomas being held by 12.0% and certificates by 26.3%.

Educational involvement is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Modbury Heights has 101 active public transport stops. All of these are bus stops. They are served by 28 different routes that together provide 2,324 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Modbury Heights is rated as excellent. Residents typically live just 199 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 332 trips per day across all routes, which works out to about 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Modbury Heights is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Modbury Heights faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~9687 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.0% and 8.2% of residents respectively. A total of 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 66.3% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016, 20.9% of Modbury Heights' residents are aged 65 and over (4130 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Modbury Heights' population showed higher linguistic diversity, with 16.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Overseas-born residents constituted 26.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 43.4% of Modbury Heights residents.

The 'Other' religious category had a slightly higher representation in Modbury Heights (2.5%) compared to Greater Adelaide (2.1%). In terms of ancestry, English (31.0%), Australian (24.0%), and Other (7.8%) were the top groups. Notable differences existed for Polish (1.3% vs 1.2%), German (5.7% vs 5.8%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.4%).

Modbury Heights's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Modbury Heights is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 11.9% of the population, while the 25-34 age group comprises 10.2%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.0% to 6.8%, while the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 13.7% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the age group 75 to 84 will increase significantly, with an additional 603 people (a 45% rise) bringing the total to 1,959. The combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 60% of Modbury Heights' population growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to decrease in population size.