Toorak Gardens

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

As of November 2025, Toorak Gardens' population stands at approximately 17,641. This figure represents a growth of 1,006 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,635. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,170 in June 2024 and an additional 368 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,636 persons per square kilometer, placing Toorak Gardens in the upper quartile compared to other assessed locations nationally. The area's growth rate of 6.0% since 2021 exceeds the SA3 area average of 5.1%, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population increase.

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 beyond 2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Toorak Gardens is projected to increase its population by approximately 2,009 individuals, reflecting an overall growth of 8.7% over the 17-year period. This projection is based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Toorak Gardens among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Toorak Gardens has seen approximately 172 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25860 homes were approved, with a further 21 approved in FY-26. On average, each new home attracts 0.8 new residents per year over these five years.

This pace of construction is keeping up with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average construction value of new properties is $475,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year has seen $70.4 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Toorak Gardens shows 71.0% higher new home approvals per capita, offering greater choice for buyers. The new development comprises 14.0% standalone homes and 86.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living that caters to affordability requirements of downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects the current housing mix of 55.0% houses but addresses reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands.

Toorak Gardens has a population density of around 73 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the suburb is projected to gain 1,538 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth beyond current forecasts.

Toorak Gardens has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Glenside Development, UniSA Magill Campus Redevelopment (Magill Project), Burnside Village Expansion, and 12-16 Glen Osmond Road Mixed-Use Development.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Toorak Gardens performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Toorak Gardens has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate in the area is 1.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 8,955 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Toorak Gardens is 59.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Notably, the area has a high specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share that is 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.0% of local workers, which is below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a higher than average level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force increased by 3.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, and a decrease in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows that SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year (adding 10,710 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Toorak Gardens' employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The median income among taxpayers in Toorak Gardens SA2 was $58,422 and the average income stood at $95,686 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. These figures compare to those for Greater Adelaide which were $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $65,918 (median) and $107,963 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Toorak Gardens cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 27.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,904 residents). Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 31.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Toorak Gardens' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.2% houses and 44.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 67.0% houses and 33.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Toorak Gardens stood at 44.0%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented ones at 28.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Adelaide's average of $2,300. Median weekly rent in Toorak Gardens was $339, compared to Adelaide metro's $360. Nationally, Toorak Gardens' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $339 against the national figure of $375.

Toorak Gardens features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 30.4% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Toorak Gardens shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Toorak Gardens' residents aged 15+ have a notably high educational attainment, with 52.7% holding university qualifications compared to South Australia's (SA) state average of 25.7% and Greater Adelaide's 28.9%. This is particularly evident in bachelor degrees, which account for 32.8% of qualifications in the area, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.7%. Vocational pathways are also well-represented among residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas making up 9.5% and certificates comprising 10.0% of qualifications. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 7.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 100 active stops operating within Toorak Gardens. These are a mix of bus routes, totaling 43 individual services. They collectively facilitate 2,587 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 174 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 369 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Toorak Gardens's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Toorak Gardens residents. Prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (12,225 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.8 and 6.7% of residents respectively. 71.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016 data, 26.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,643 people), which is higher than the 23.6% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Toorak Gardens was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Toorak Gardens, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.6% of its residents born overseas and 26.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.2% of Toorak Gardens' population, but Judaism was notably overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.3%. The top three ancestry groups were English (25.8%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (9.3%).

Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: Sri Lankan residents were equally represented (0.6%) as regionally, Italians were slightly underrepresented at 5.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 6.0%, and Chinese residents were underrepresented at 8.7%.

Toorak Gardens hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Toorak Gardens is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Comparing with Greater Adelaide, the cohort aged 75-84 is notably over-represented at 10.1% locally while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 10.0%. Between the Census dates of 26 August 2021 and 9 June 2021, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 11.6% to 13.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 8.7% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.4% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for Toorak Gardens by 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The population aged 85 and above is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 688 people (83%) from 829 to 1,518. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 70% of the projected growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0-4 and 5-14 are expected to experience population declines.