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 November 2025, is approximately 15,467. This represents a growth of 373 people (2.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,094. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 15,434 in June 2024 and an additional 150 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 1,520 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Para Hills' growth rate of 2.5% since the Census is within 1.2 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.8% to Para Hills' 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Para Hills' population is projected to increase by approximately 741 persons, reflecting a total growth of 4.5% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 468 homes were approved, with an additional 44 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five financial years, an average of 0.9 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value for new properties during this period was $223,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals have totaled $6.7 million, suggesting limited focus on commercial development in Para Hills compared to residential growth. When comparing development activity per person with Greater Adelaide, Para Hills shows 70.0% higher activity, which should provide buyers with ample choice.

New development in Para Hills consists of approximately 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and appealing to space-seeking buyers. With around 158 people per dwelling approval, Para Hills exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Para Hills is projected to gain approximately 703 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 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Springbank Waters Residential Estate, The Heights Estate Para Hills, Keswick Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, and Para Hills West Urban Renewal Precinct. Below is a list of particularly relevant projects.

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 essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%. As of September 2025, 7,967 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below Greater Adelaide's and workforce participation similar to the region's 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows particularly strong specialization, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 1.3%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment rate decrease of 0.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Para Hills SA2 is below the national average. The median assessed income is $49,215 and the average income stands at $55,806. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,806. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,529 (median) and $62,966 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Para Hills, between the 27th and 32nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 34.4% of residents (5,320 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing expenses, 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' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.9% houses and 9.2% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Adelaide metro's 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Para Hills stood at 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.3% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,322, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Para Hills was $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Para Hills' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

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%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 28.3%.

Educational participation is 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 good 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 these are bus stops served by 30 different routes. These routes collectively facilitate 2,089 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living around 207 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 298 daily trips across all routes, which equates to about 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Para Hills faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,362 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5 and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. As of June 2021, 17.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,624 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in June 2021, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.7% of its residents born overseas and 25.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.3% of Para Hills' population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 3.3%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (27.4%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.3%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Polish residents made up 1.0% in Para Hills compared to 1.1% regionally, Hungarians comprised 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Lebanese residents were at 0.9% compared to 0.4%.

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 Greater Adelaide's average, Para Hills has an over-representation of the 35-44 age group (14.9% locally) and an under-representation of those aged 75-84 (5.7%). Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 cohort grew from 13.6% to 14.9%, while the 45-54 age group declined from 12.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, Para Hills' age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 263 people (78%), increasing from 337 to 601. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 60% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.