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 May 2026, is approximately 19,252. This figure represents a growth of 798 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,454. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 19,226 in June 2025 and an additional 158 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,296 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury East's growth rate of 4.3% since the 2021 Census exceeds the SA3 area's 3.9%, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.1% to overall population gains in 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Future trends indicate a population increase just below the national median to 2041, with an expected expansion of 2,228 persons, reflecting a total gain of 11.4% over 16 years.

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

Salisbury East averaged approximately 62 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25314 homes were approved, with an additional 85 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 2.6 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed over these five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $235,000, aligning with regional trends. This year, $5.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's predominantly residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury East has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area. However, these levels are lower than national averages, suggesting a mature market and possible development constraints.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings (98.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 2.0%, reflecting the area's suburban identity dominated by family homes. With approximately 446 people per approval, Salisbury East indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by 2,202 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

Salisbury East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 such projects that could impact the area. Notable 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 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.

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

Salisbury East has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year. As of December 2025, there are 9,028 employed residents, but its unemployment rate at 4.3% is higher than Greater Adelaide's 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower too, at 59.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 6.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 4.1% of residents employed in these sectors compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer fewer local employment opportunities than its resident population suggests. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.2 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw higher growth rates and a drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 could increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Salisbury East SA2 was $51,621 and the average income was $56,694 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This compares to figures for Greater Adelaide of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $56,871 (median) and $62,460 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Salisbury East fall between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.4% of locals (6,045 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to 2,999, similar to surrounding regions where 31.8% fall within this range. After housing costs, 85.2% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally.

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

In Salisbury East, as per the latest Census, 87.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.8% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In Adelaide metro, this was 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury East stood at 33.7%, similar to Adelaide's 33.6%. Of the remaining dwellings, 44.5% were mortgaged and 21.8% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Adelaide's $1,562 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Salisbury East was $295, below Adelaide's $320 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.4% of all households, including 30.4% that are couples with children, 25.8% that are couples without children, and 14.4% that are 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, which 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'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%, with 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 indicates 113 active transport stops operating within Salisbury East, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 32 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,015 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 203 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 90%, while 7% opt for bus travel. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 6.5% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 287 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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 are 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 but higher than the nation's average among older cohorts. Private health cover rate is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~9,144 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 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 20.4% of residents aged 65 and over (3,931 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but 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's population had a higher proportion born overseas, at 28.5%, compared to most other local markets. 19.2% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Salisbury East, with 44.2%.

Islam was overrepresented, comprising 5.1% of the population, higher than Greater Adelaide's 3.0%. The top three ancestral groups were English (30.9%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (11.1%). Polish, Italian, and German ethnicities showed notable differences: Polish at 1.1% (vs regional 1.0%), 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 median age in Salisbury East is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but slightly older than Australia's average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 13.9% of the population in Salisbury East, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.5%, less prevalent compared to Greater Adelaide. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.0% to 13.9%, while the 75-84 cohort has grown from 6.2% to 7.3%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.2%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.1% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Salisbury East, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 84%, reaching 1,071 people from 583. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 0% (an increase of only 1 person).