Para Hills

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

Para Hills' population, as of February 2026, is approximately 15,785. This figure represents an increase of 691 individuals, a 4.6% rise from the 2021 Census total of 15,094 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,429 in June 2024 and the addition of 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,552 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Para Hills' growth rate surpassed that of its SA3 area (4%), making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 61.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 are used, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Para Hills is expected to grow by 741 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 2.4% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Para Hills when compared nationally

Para Hills has recorded approximately 93 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 468 homes were approved, with an additional 59 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 0.9 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new properties during this period was $223,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY26, there have been $6.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Para Hills shows 70.0% higher development activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice.

The new development composition is approximately 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 158 people per dwelling approval, Para Hills exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to recent AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Para Hills is projected to gain approximately 385 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Para Hills has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Springbank Waters Residential Estate, The Heights Estate Para Hills, Keswick Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, and Para Hills West Urban Renewal Precinct. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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The labour market in Para Hills demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Para Hills has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of September 2025. This is 0.3% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. The area experienced employment growth of 1.8% over the past year, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.0%.

As of September 2025, 7,967 residents are employed. Workforce participation in Para Hills is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's at 66.4%. According to Census responses, a low 7.3% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.3%, compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Employment levels increased by 1.8% and labour force increased by 1.3% during the year to September 2025, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Para Hills's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that the median income in Para Hills SA2 is $51,633 and the average income stands at $58,203. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $56,177 (median) and $63,325 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Para Hills between the 27th and 32nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 34.4% of residents (5,430 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Para Hills' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.9% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Para Hills was at 33.2%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.3% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,322, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Para Hills was $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Para Hills' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,322 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Para Hills has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.6% of all households, including 31.8% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Para Hills fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (28.3%). Educational participation is high at 28.2%, with 10.4% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Para Hills has 106 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 32 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,093 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as good, with residents typically living within 207 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 90% of residents, while buses are used by 7%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 299 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Para Hills's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Para Hills's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical of the general population, but higher than average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,608 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 67.2% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,708 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Para Hills 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

Para Hills has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.7% of its population born overseas and 25.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Para Hills, making up 41.3% of the population. However, the category 'Other' shows an overrepresentation at 3.3%, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.4%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish is equally represented at 1.0%, Hungarian is slightly higher at 0.4%, and Lebanese is more than doubled at 0.9% compared to regional figures.

Para Hills's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Para Hills has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, Para Hills has an over-representation of the 35-44 cohort (14.9% locally) and an under-representation of the 75-84 year-olds (5.9%). Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group increased from 13.6% to 14.9%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 12.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, Para Hills' age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 256 people (75%), from 344 to 601. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 67% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.