Norwood (SA)
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Norwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Norwood SA's population is approximately 12,011 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,162 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,849. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,961 in June 2024 and an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,087 persons per square kilometer, placing Norwood in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Norwood's growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the state (6.7%) and metropolitan area averages, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.3% 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 released in 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest above median population growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. Based on current numbers, Norwood is projected to expand by 1,735 persons to 2041, recording a total gain of 14.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Norwood among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Norwood has seen approximately 156 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 781 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY20 and FY25. As of FY26, there have been two approvals so far. On average, around 2.8 people per year move to Norwood for each new home constructed during these five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $759,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $132.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Norwood shows moderately higher development activity, being 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% attached dwellings, providing accessible entry options that appeal to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 326 people per dwelling approval, Norwood shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate Norwood will gain 1,685 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nine projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Among these are key projects such as Glenside Development, Norwood Green, Magill Campus Redevelopment (UniSA site), and 200 East Terrace. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

The employment environment in Norwood shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Norwood SA has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year. As of June 2025, 6943 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9%, lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Notably, professional & technical sector shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 8.7%. As per Census data, there are 1.2 workers for every resident, indicating Norwood functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% while labour force increased by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising marginally. State-level data from Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year (adding 9370 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.5%. State's employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Norwood's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Norwood has a high national median income of $58,654 and an average income of $88,660. This is higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% from financial year 2022 to March 2025, the estimated median income in Norwood would be approximately $65,006 and the average income around $98,262. According to the 2021 Census, Norwood's personal income ranks at the 72nd percentile with weekly earnings of $933, while household income is at the 45th percentile. The most common income bracket in Norwood is $1,500 - 2,999, with 29.1% of residents (3,495 people) falling into this category, which is consistent with metropolitan trends showing 31.8% in the same bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Norwood, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Norwood displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Norwood's latest Census data shows that 32.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 68.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 51.7% houses and 48.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Norwood stood at 30.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented ones at 47.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Adelaide metro average, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $2,000 and $340 respectively. Nationally, Norwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Norwood features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 53.7% of all households, composed of 18.6% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.3%, with lone person households making up 40.1% and group households comprising 6.0%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

Norwood shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Norwood, educational attainment is notably high, with 51.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in the Greater Adelaide region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 32.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.1%, and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational pathways account for 21.3% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 11.7%. Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.5% in tertiary education, 7.5% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

Norwood operates a robust network of 9 schools educating approximately 4,948 students, with an educational mix comprising 4 primary, 2 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 41.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 32.8, indicating Norwood serves as an educational center for the broader region. Norwood demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1113.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that there are 54 active transport stops currently operating within Norwood. These stops primarily serve buses. The total number of routes servicing these stops is 54, which collectively facilitate 3,672 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Norwood is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 178 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 524 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Norwood is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Norwood exhibits above-average health outcomes, with both younger and older age groups showing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (7,687 people), compared to 61.4% across Greater Adelaide and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.6% and 7.5% of residents respectively.

Notably, 70.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,597 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Norwood are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Norwood 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

Norwood's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 24.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 33.5% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 40.2%. Judaism, at 0.2%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.0%), Australian (17.9%), and Other (9.7%). Italian (6.2% vs regional 11.1%) and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%) were notably overrepresented, while German was slightly underrepresented at 4.9% compared to the region's 5.0%.

Norwood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Norwood was 40 years as of a certain date, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but somewhat older than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years showed strong representation at 17.8% compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 5-14 cohort was less prevalent at 7.9%. Post-census data from 2021 shows that the 75-84 age group grew from 6.9% to 8.2%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Norwood, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 126%, reaching 688 people from 305. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting Norwood's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort is projected to decline by 8 people.