The Parks

Population growth drivers in The Parks are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, The Parks's population is around 21,753 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,108 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,645 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21,072 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 497 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,191 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Parks's 10.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 89.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 4,457 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions The Parks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

The Parks has recorded around 201 residential properties granted approval per year, with 1,005 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 67 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $236,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $38.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, The Parks has slightly more development (17.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity consists of 65.0% detached dwellings and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. The location has approximately 134 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show The Parks adding 3,776 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 25 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Regency Park Industrial Precinct Renewal, Woodville Place, The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre Redevelopment, and the Northern Adelaide Road Upgrades Program, 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 The Parks has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

The Parks has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 6.8%, and 7.3% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,572 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.0% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (63.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 5.6% versus the regional average of 9.3%. With 1.1 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 7.3% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.6%, resulting in unemployment falling by 1.5 percentage points. This compares to Greater Adelaide, where employment grew by 4.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.9%, and unemployment fell 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within The Parks. 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 The Parks's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% 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 Parks SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Parks SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,496 and the average income stands at $55,462, 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 $53,852 (median) and $60,343 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in The Parks all fall between the 8th and 20th percentiles nationally. The data shows the largest segment comprises 31.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,852 residents), mirroring regional levels where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 18th percentile.

The Parks displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within The Parks, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.5% houses and 32.5% 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 The Parks was lagging that of Adelaide metro, at 23.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.6%) or rented (45.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Adelaide metro average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, The Parks's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

The Parks features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.3% of all households, comprising 30.7% couples with children, 18.9% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 5.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in The Parks fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

At 26.3%, university qualification levels in The Parks sit marginally below the Australian average of 30.4%, though the modest gap indicates reasonable educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (17.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 105 active transport stops operating within The Parks, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 2,107 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 185 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 9% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 301 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in The Parks is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing The Parks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~10,310 people). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.5% and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 72.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,430 people), which is lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

The Parks is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 50.8% of its population born overseas and 59.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in The Parks is Christianity, which makes up 38.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 14.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in The Parks are Other, comprising 17.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.7%, Vietnamese, comprising 16.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 1.2%, and English, comprising 14.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 27.8%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Serbian is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of The Parks (vs 0.4% regionally), Polish at 1.2% (vs 1.0%) and Greek at 3.3% (vs 2.0%).

The Parks's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 36-year median age in The Parks is modestly under Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Adelaide, The Parks has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (18.3%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (5.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.2% to 18.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 11.4%. By 2041, The Parks is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 29% (717 people), reaching 3,195 from 2,477.