Salisbury East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Salisbury East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Salisbury East's population is around 19,264 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 810 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,454 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,082 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 159 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,297 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury East's 4.4% 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 59.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 2,424 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 11.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Salisbury East has averaged around 62 new dwelling approvals per year, with 314 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 74 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.6 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $235,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $5.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, complementing the area's residential character.

When measured against Greater Adelaide, Salisbury East has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. This activity is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity consists of 98.0% detached dwellings and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. At around 446 people per approval, Salisbury East indicates a mature market.

Looking ahead, Salisbury East is expected to grow by 2,242 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Salisbury East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Salisbury Park Estate, Salisbury East Urban Renewal Precinct, Coomurra Rise Land Division, and the Advanced Manufacturing and Retail Hub, 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.

Employment performance in Salisbury East has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Salisbury East possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 5.3%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,028 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional and technical services have a limited presence with 4.1% employment compared to 7.3% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while the labour force increased by 1.1%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Salisbury East. 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 Salisbury East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Salisbury East SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Salisbury East SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,621 and the average income stands at $56,694, which compares to figures for Greater Adelaide of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,164 (median) and $61,683 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Salisbury East all fall between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 31.4% of locals (6,048 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 85.2% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 25th percentile nationally.

Salisbury East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Salisbury East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.2% houses and 12.8% 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 Salisbury East was in line with that of Adelaide metro, at 33.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (21.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Adelaide metro average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Salisbury East's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Salisbury East has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.4% of all households, comprising 30.4% couples with children, 25.8% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (28.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.8% 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 113 active transport stops operating within Salisbury East, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 32 individual routes, collectively providing 2,015 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 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 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 287 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Salisbury East'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

Salisbury East'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 (~9,150 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 9.8% and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 64.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,960 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Salisbury East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Salisbury East is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 28.5% of its population born overseas and 19.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Salisbury East is Christianity, which makes up 44.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 5.1% of the population, compared to 3.0% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Salisbury East are English, comprising 30.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.8% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Salisbury East (vs 1.0% regionally), Italian at 4.9% (vs 5.2%), and German at 4.8% (vs 5.1%).

Salisbury East's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 40-year median age in Salisbury East is similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and similarly somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 13.8% compared to Greater Adelaide, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.0% to 13.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Salisbury East. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 83% (487 people), reaching 1,071 from 583. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 0% (6 people).