Para Hills
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was approximately 15,462 as of Aug 2025. From the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,094 people, there has been an increase of 368 people (2.4%). This growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 15,431 as of June 2024 and the addition of 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Para Hills was around 1,520 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Para Hills' growth rate of 2.4% since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.8% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

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 and released in 2023. These projections indicate that Para Hills is expected to grow by approximately 741 persons by 2041, representing a total growth of 4.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Para Hills has recorded approximately 58 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 292 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, and an additional 22 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded over these five financial years. This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new dwellings is $329,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year, Para Hills has recorded $6.7 million in commercial development approvals, indicating its residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Para Hills has 65.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Para Hills reflects a low density area, with around 158 people per approval. Looking ahead, Para Hills is expected to grow by 708 residents through to 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.

Para Hills has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may impact this area. Key projects include Walkleys Road Corridor Housing Development, Main North Road and Target Hill Road Junction Upgrade, The Gardens Lifestyle Village, Para Hills Community Hub, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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

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

Para Hills has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, and there was an estimated 1.7% employment growth in the past year.

As of June 2025, 8,029 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is 0.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Para Hills is similar to Greater Adelaide's at 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows 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%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force increased by 1.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Comparing this with Greater Adelaide shows different trends: employment growth was 2.1% and labour force grew at the same rate, but unemployment rose marginally. State-level data from Sep-25 indicates SA's employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.5%, aligning with the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Para Hills' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Para Hills' postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income at $49,215 and average income at $55,806. This is below Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. By March 2025, estimated median income is approximately $54,545 and average income is around $61,850, based on a 10.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Para Hills' household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 28th and 32nd percentiles in the 2021 Census. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominated with 34.4% of residents (5,318 people), similar to metropolitan region trends at 31.8%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remained 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'). 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. The median weekly rent in Para Hills was $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Para Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly lower 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 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, 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (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. Para Hills's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,712 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA score: 974) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (11.1) are below the regional average (13.9), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis conducted in Para Hills shows 106 active public transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 30 individual routes that collectively facilitate 2,089 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 207 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Bus service frequency averages 298 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 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. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,359 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. 67.2% of residents declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2020, 17.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,623 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 August 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.7% of its population 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%, higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (27.4%), Australian (22.6%), and Other (13.3%). Some ethnicities showed significant differences: Polish was overrepresented at 1.0% compared to 1.1% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Lebanese at 0.9% against 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 the Greater Adelaide average, Para Hills has an over-representation of the 35-44 age group (14.9% locally), while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented (5.7%). Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.6% to 14.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Para Hills' age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 263 people (78%), from 337 to 601. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 60% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 65-74 cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.