Parafield Gardens

Population growth drivers in Parafield Gardens are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Parafield Gardens' population, as of February 2026, is approximately 18,634, reflecting an increase of 167 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of 0.9%. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 18,614, with an additional 81 validated new addresses recorded since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,650 persons per square kilometer, placing Parafield Gardens in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parafield Gardens has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for statistical areas across the nation. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Parafield Gardens is expected to grow by 846 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 4.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Parafield Gardens according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Parafield Gardens has averaged approximately 65 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 325 homes were approved, with an additional 28 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.5 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during these years, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new homes was $155,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $13.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Parafield Gardens maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, these rates are lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

The breakdown of new building activity shows 85.0% standalone homes and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 478 people per dwelling approval, Parafield Gardens indicates a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 826 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.

Parafield Gardens has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects that could affect the area. Notable ones include The Glades, Parafield Gardens (Stage 8+), Mawson Lakes Road Management Plan, Public Housing Builds in Parafield Gardens, and Gardenia Drive Aged Care Expansion. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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Parafield Gardens shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Parafield Gardens has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.6%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

There are 8,423 residents currently employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Adelaide's by 1.6%, at 5.5%. Workforce participation in Parafield Gardens is lower, at 59.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 5.4% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services show lower representation, at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parafield Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Parafield Gardens SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,662 and an average income of $51,991 in the financial year 2023. These figures are lower than the national averages of $54,808 for Greater Adelaide's median income and $66,852 for its average income. By September 2025, estimates suggest these incomes would be approximately $51,856 (median) and $56,566 (average), accounting for an 8.8% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Parafield Gardens' household income ranks at the 27th percentile ($1,384 weekly) and personal income at the 10th percentile. Income distribution shows that 34.4% of the population (6,410 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 27th percentile.

Parafield Gardens is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Parafield Gardens, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parafield Gardens was at 28.8%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (41.9%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,382, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Parafield Gardens' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Parafield Gardens has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.8% of all households, including 38.1% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (22.1%). Educational participation is high at 31.1%, with 11.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Parafield Gardens has 71 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 18 different routes, collectively providing 1,098 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes are outward-bound due to Parafield Gardens' residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 91%, with buses at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 156 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Parafield Gardens is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Parafield Gardens faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~8,534 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (affecting 8.0% of residents) and arthritis (7.8%), while 70.2% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,052 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Parafield Gardens is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Parafield Gardens has high cultural diversity, with 42.5% of its population born overseas and 46.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Parafield Gardens, comprising 36.4% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented at 7.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.4%), English (20.2%), and Australian (19.3%). Notably, Vietnamese (5.9%) and Indian (6.1%) populations are overrepresented in Parafield Gardens compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 2.3%, respectively.

Parafield Gardens's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Parafield Gardens is 36 years, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Parafield Gardens has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (13.0%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 4.7% to 5.5%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.0% to 13.0%. By 2041, Parafield Gardens is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 14%, reaching 2,365 people from 2,075. The ageing population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 67% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.