Salisbury

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

Salisbury's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 19,206. This figure represents an increase of 612 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,594. The growth from June 2025 to May 2026 is estimated at 178 validated new addresses. The population density is around 1,783 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury's 3.3% population growth since the census is close to the SA3 area's 3.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.3% of overall 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, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median for national statistical areas, with an expected growth of 801 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 3.9% over 16 years.

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

Salisbury averaged approximately 67 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 336 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 157 approvals have been recorded. This averages to about 1.3 new residents per new home over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), suggesting a balance between supply and demand. The average construction cost for new properties was $201,000 during this period.

In FY-26, there have been $19.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate commercial development levels. Comparing Salisbury's development levels per person to Greater Adelaide shows similar figures, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, these levels are lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. Detached dwellings make up 75% of new developments, with townhouses or apartments comprising the remaining 25%, preserving Salisbury's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 235 people per approval, Salisbury reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Salisbury is projected to add 741 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Salisbury City Centre Redevelopment, Salisbury Park Estate redevelopment, Salisbury Park Estate expansion, and Playford Health Hub. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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 performance in Salisbury lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Salisbury's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 9.6% in December 2025, showing a 1.6% employment growth over the previous year. As of that date, 7,536 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 5.8% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Salisbury lagged at 53.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Census responses indicated that only 4.9% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with manufacturing being particularly notable at 1.8 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment was limited at 3.0%, compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6% and labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2%, labour force grow by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Salisbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population 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 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $52,229 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had median and average incomes of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $53,887 and the average income $57,541 due to a 10.17% increase in wages since financial year 2023. According to Census data, incomes in Salisbury fall between the 5th and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 31.0% of the population earns within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 31.8%. Housing affordability is 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

Dwelling structure in Salisbury, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings. In Adelaide metro, this was 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 in the area was $1,246, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, against Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Salisbury's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 7.3% and certificates at 25.4%.

Educational participation is 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 reveals 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. The dominant mode of transport remains the car at 90%, with 6% using buses.

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 faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 8,796 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. However, 66.0% of residents report having no 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 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,518 people), with senior health outcomes broadly in line with national rankings.

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's population has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.7% born overseas and 41.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Salisbury, accounting for 42.5%. However, Islam is substantially overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 9.6% versus 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (24.2%), English (22.7%), and Australian (19.0%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese is overrepresented at 3.2%, Serbian at 0.6%, and Italian at 5.1%.

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 45-54 age group is under-represented at 11.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.0%, and the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Salisbury. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 24% (293 people), reaching 1,502 from 1,208. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 72% of the population growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 35 to 44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.