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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Para Hills's population is around 15,785 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 691 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,094 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,429 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,552 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Para Hills's 4.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.0%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 61.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 741 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 2.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Para Hills has recorded around 93 residential properties granted approval annually, with 468 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 71 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $223,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $6.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

When measured against Greater Adelaide, Para Hills shows 70.0% higher development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. New development consists of 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 158 people per dwelling approval, Para Hills shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Para Hills will gain 385 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Springbank Waters Residential Estate, The Heights Estate Para Hills, Keswick Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, and Para Hills West Urban Renewal Precinct, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,959 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 7.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% and the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Para Hills. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Para Hills's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Para Hills SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $51,633 while 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. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,177 (median) and $63,325 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Para Hills, between the 27th and 32nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.4% of residents (5,430 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing, 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

Dwelling structure within Para Hills, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.9% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Para Hills was in line with that of Adelaide metro, at 33.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.3%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Adelaide metro average at $1,322, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Para Hills's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.6% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (28.3%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 106 active transport stops operating within Para Hills, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 32 individual routes, collectively providing 2,093 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 299 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location 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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,608 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,708 people), which is lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 31.7% of its population born overseas and 25.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Para Hills is Christianity, which makes up 41.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 3.3% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Para Hills are English, comprising 27.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Para Hills (vs 1.0% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%) and Lebanese at 0.9% (vs 0.3%).

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

With a median age of 38, Para Hills nearly matches the Greater Adelaide figure of 39 and Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, the 35 - 44 cohort is notably over-represented (14.9% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (5.9%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.6% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Para Hills's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding 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 to 64 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.