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

Salisbury East's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 19,284. This figure represents an increase of 830 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,454. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,082 in June 2024 and the addition of 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,298 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury East's growth rate of 4.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving the area's demographic trends.

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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Salisbury East is expected to increase its population by approximately 2,424 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 11.5% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Salisbury East averaged approximately 62 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, totaling 314 homes. In FY-26, up until now, 58 dwellings have been approved. This averages out to around 2.6 people moving into the area per new home constructed in the last five financial years.

The average construction cost value of these new homes is approximately $235,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $5.2 million have been registered, indicating the residential character of the area. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury East has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, these levels are lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

The majority of new building activity in Salisbury East consists of detached dwellings at 98.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 2.0%, preserving the area's suburban identity dominated by family homes. With approximately 446 people per approval, the market in Salisbury East indicates maturity. By 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Salisbury East is projected to grow by 2,222 residents. Building activity is currently keeping pace with these growth projections, though heightened competition among buyers may be expected as the population increases.

Salisbury East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Salisbury Park Estate, Salisbury East Urban Renewal Precinct, Coomurra Rise Land Division, and Advanced Manufacturing and Retail Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Salisbury East has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and estimated employment growth of 1.4% in the past year. As of September 2025, 9,042 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 57.8% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 4.1%, compared to 7.3% regionally.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 1.4%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Salisbury East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income among taxpayers in Salisbury East SA2 was $49,394 and the average income stood at $54,867 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $55,731 (median) and $61,906 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes in Salisbury East fell between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The data shows that 31.4% of locals (6,055 people) had incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, which is similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% fall within this range. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remained, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Salisbury East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.2% houses and 12.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury East stood at 33.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.5% and rented ones at 21.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Adelaide metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,300 and $300 respectively. Nationally, Salisbury East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.4% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (28.6%). Educational participation is high at 28.0%, comprising 11.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 shows 113 active transport stops operating within Salisbury East. These stops service a mix of bus routes, totaling 30 individual routes. They collectively provide 2,011 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 287 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Salisbury East is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Salisbury East faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 47% of the total population (~9,102 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 9.8% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 9.1%). Meanwhile, 64.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,879 people), higher than the 16.1% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 28.5% of its population born overseas and 19.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Salisbury East as of 2016, making up 44.2% of people. However, Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 5.1% versus 8.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.9%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (11.1%). Notably, Polish (1.1%) and Italian (4.9%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Additionally, German ancestry was also overrepresented at 4.8%.

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

The median age in Salisbury East was 40 years as of the Census conducted on 2nd August 2021, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constituted 13.5% of Salisbury East's population, compared to Greater Adelaide's population. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort made up 12.5%. Post-census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 12.0% to 13.5%, while the 55-64 cohort declined from 12.6% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for Salisbury East indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 88%, reaching 1,071 people from 570. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort is expected to decline by 9 people.