Salisbury

Salisbury has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Salisbury's population is 19,114 as of February 2026. This shows an increase of 520 people from the 2021 Census figure of 18,594, reflecting a growth rate of 2.8%. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 19,012 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,774 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Salisbury has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.7% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas, with Salisbury expected to grow by 884 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 4.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Salisbury has averaged approximately 67 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 336 homes. As of FY26116 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents per year have arrived with each new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. The average construction value of new properties is $201,000, lower than the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY26, there have been $19.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, this is lower than national levels, possibly due to market maturity or development constraints. New developments consist of 75% detached dwellings and 25% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban character.

With around 235 people per approval, Salisbury reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Salisbury is projected to add 782 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Salisbury has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Salisbury City Centre Redevelopment - Salisbury Square Precinct, Salisbury Park Estate, Salisbury City Centre Redevelopment, and Salisbury Park Estate. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Salisbury lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Salisbury's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 9.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 1.9%.

There are 7,541 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Salisbury is lower at 54.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census data shows that only 4.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment is particularly high at 1.8 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence with only 3.0% employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9%, labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that Salisbury's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median income among taxpayers in Salisbury SA2 was $48,913 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. The average income stood at $52,229 during the same period, compared to figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income is approximately $53,217 as of September 2025, with average income at around $56,825 during the same period. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Salisbury all fall between the 5th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.0% of the population (5,925 individuals) earned within the $800 - $1,499 income range, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Salisbury, with only 81.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

Salisbury is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Salisbury's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury stood at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 38.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,246, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure in Salisbury was $270, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Salisbury's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Salisbury features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.6% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 19.7% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Salisbury faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (25.4%). Educational participation is high at 30.1%, comprising 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 104 active transport stops operating within Salisbury. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 50 individual routes, collectively providing 3,667 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 90%, with bus use at 6%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 523 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Salisbury is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Salisbury's health data indicates significant obstacles, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups notably. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 8,754 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.1 and 8.9% of residents respectively. About 66.0% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have a higher than average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,541 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings largely in line with the general population.

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

Salisbury has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.7% of its population born overseas and 41.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Salisbury, comprising 42.5% of the population. Islam is overrepresented in Salisbury compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 9.6% versus an average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (24.2%), English (22.7%), and Australian (19.0%). Notably, Vietnamese (3.2%) and Serbian (0.6%) groups are overrepresented in Salisbury compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 0.4%, respectively.

Salisbury's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Salisbury is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age cohort is over-represented in Salisbury at 12.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 11.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.0% to 13.8% of the population, while the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.9%. By 2041, Salisbury's population is forecasted to experience significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 1,524 people from 1,223. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 72% of the population growth, while the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decline in population.