Modbury Heights
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Modbury Heights' population was 19,248 as of Aug 2021. By Aug 2025, it increased to around 19,811, a rise of 563 people (2.9%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 19,793 in June 2024 plus 45 new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 1,999 persons per square kilometer, above national averages. Modbury Heights' 2.9% growth since the census is close to its SA3 area's 4.2%, indicating strong fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 60.2% 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 by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Modbury Heights is projected to increase by just below the median of statistical areas nationally, gaining 1,096 persons (5.4% total growth over 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 FY21 to FY25, around 284 homes have been approved, with a further 19 approved so far in FY26. On average, these new dwellings accommodate about 1.4 new residents each year.

This has maintained balanced supply and demand dynamics, resulting in stable market conditions. The construction value of new properties averages $299,000, which is below regional norms, suggesting more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year has seen approximately $30.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Modbury Heights shows around 61% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks at the 36th percentile among assessed areas, implying fewer housing choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity may reflect the area's maturity or possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Modbury Heights comprises approximately 93% standalone homes and 7% townhouses or apartments, reinforcing its suburban identity with a focus on family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The area has around 471 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established community. Looking ahead, Modbury Heights is projected to grow by about 1,068 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Modbury Heights has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Tilley Recreation Park Indoor Training Facility, Modbury Sporting Club Building and Sportsfield Lighting, Modbury Hospital Redevelopment Project, and Euca Modbury Townhomes. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Modbury Heights has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stood at 2.1% as of June 2025, showing an employment growth of 1.5% over the past year.

In comparison to Greater Adelaide's unemployment rate of 4.0%, Modbury Heights had a lower rate of 1.9%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 64.2%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, public administration & safety has employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food services have lower representation at 4.9% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force increased by 1.3%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% and an increase in labour force, with a marginal rise in unemployment. As of Sep-25, state-level data shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year (adding 9,370 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, aligning with the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Modbury Heights' employment mix, local growth is estimated at approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Modbury Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $51,728 and an average income of $57,805. This is lower than the national average of $64,886 and compares to levels of $52,592 in Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $57,330 (median) and $64,065 (average) as of March 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Modbury Heights rank modestly between the 45th and 47th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 35.4% of the population (7,013 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 87.0% retained, however disposable income sits below average at the 49th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

The latest Census evaluated Modbury Heights' dwelling structure as 91.2% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 88.6% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Modbury Heights was 37.0%, aligned with Adelaide metro's level, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 44.6% and rented dwellings were at 18.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, matching Adelaide metro's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Modbury Heights' mortgage repayments were notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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, which is 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

Educational qualifications in Modbury Heights trail regional benchmarks; 21.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 26.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education; this includes 10.3% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Modbury Heights operates a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 4,664 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1048) and balanced educational opportunities; there are 5 primary and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 23.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, indicating Modbury Heights serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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. These are served by a mix of bus routes totalling 28. This network provides 2,324 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 199 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency averages 332 trips across all routes, equating to around 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 being somewhat 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, while 66.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016 (the latest available data), the area has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4130 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Modbury Heights are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Modbury Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Modbury Heights has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Modbury Heights, comprising 43.4% of its population. The category 'Other' shows an overrepresentation in Modbury Heights at 2.5%, compared to 2.1% across Greater Adelaide.

For ancestry, the top three groups are English (31.0%), Australian (24.0%), and Other (7.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish is slightly overrepresented at 1.3% in Modbury Heights versus 1.2% regionally, while German is nearly equally represented at 5.7% compared to 5.8%, and Hungarian is also similarly represented at 0.4%.

Modbury Heights's median age exceeds 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 years make up 11.9% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise 10.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.0% to 6.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75 to 84 age cohort will increase by 603 people (45%) from 1,355 to 1,959. Notably, those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 60% of total population growth. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines in Modbury Heights.