Woodville - Cheltenham
Statistical Area - sa2

Woodville - Cheltenham lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Woodville-Cheltenham's population is 20,891 as of Aug 2025. This shows an increase of 1,622 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 19,269. The change is inferred from ABS estimates of 20,409 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since then. The population density ratio is 2,371 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Woodville-Cheltenham's growth of 8.4% since the Census exceeded the state average of 6.7%, indicating strong regional leadership. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.3% of population gains recently.

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, South Australian Government regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends project above median growth for statistical areas nationally, with Woodville-Cheltenham expected to expand by 4,130 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of 17.4% over the period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Woodville - Cheltenham among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Woodville - Cheltenham has seen approximately 168 new homes approved annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 844 homes over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 20 so far in FY-26. On average, 1.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years. The supply and demand dynamics appear balanced, with new properties constructed at an average expected construction cost of $320,000, below the regional average.

This financial year has seen $38.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Woodville - Cheltenham maintains similar development levels per person, reflecting a stable market balance. New development consists of 30.0% detached dwellings and 70.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 63.0% houses. With around 119 people per dwelling approval, Woodville - Cheltenham exhibits growth area characteristics. Projections indicate an increase of approximately 3,631 residents by 2041, suggesting that current development rates should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond projections.

Looking ahead, Woodville - Cheltenham is expected to grow by 3,631 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Woodville - Cheltenham has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones are Babcock Facility Expansion, West Torrens Employment Hub, Traffic Safety Improvements on Russell Terrace, Woodville, and Findon Road Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Woodville - Cheltenham remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Woodville - Cheltenham has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2025.

The area saw an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year. As of June 2025, 11,119 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is 1.3% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's at 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food services, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence, with 16.4% employment compared to the regional average of 17.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, while labour force increased by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points in Woodville - Cheltenham. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and unemployment rose marginally. At a state level, as of Sep-25, SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.5%. State employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Woodville - Cheltenham's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Woodville - Cheltenham's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $51,462, with an average of $57,270. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By March 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $57,035 and an average of $63,472, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022. In the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Woodville - Cheltenham ranked modestly, between the 34th and 35th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 33.5% of locals (6,998 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Woodville - Cheltenham, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 35th percentile.

Woodville - Cheltenham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Woodville-Cheltenham's dwellings, as per the most recent Census, consisted of 63.4% houses and 36.6% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woodville-Cheltenham was at 26.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 36.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, Woodville-Cheltenham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Woodville - Cheltenham features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, consisting of 28.8% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4 people.

Educational outcomes in Woodville - Cheltenham fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

University qualification levels in Woodville - Cheltenham stand at 26.8%, slightly below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 29.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.3% and certificates for 20.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 7.3% in tertiary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education. There are approximately 8 schools operating within Woodville - Cheltenham, educating around 2,607 students. The school conditions are typical of Australia (ICSEA: 987), offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 4 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, and 2 K-12 schools. Note that for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Woodville-Cheltenham has 110 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 36 routes that facilitate 3,514 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 199 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 502 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Woodville - Cheltenham'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

Woodville's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among residents being somewhat typical but higher than average for older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~10,090 people), compared to 52.8% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Woodville, affecting 7.8% and 7.2% of residents respectively.

However, 70.9% of residents declared they were completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.9% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,380 people), lower than the 20.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Woodville-Cheltenham has a high cultural diversity, with 37.6% of its population born overseas and 41.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 45.1%. Buddhism is notably higher than the Greater Adelaide average, comprising 7.9% compared to 2.8%.

Top ancestry groups are English (18.5%), Australian (17.4%), and Other (13.0%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Vietnamese at 8.2%, Serbian at 1.5%, and Polish at 1.4%.

Woodville - Cheltenham's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Woodville - Cheltenham is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort makes up 18.1% of the local population, notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average, while those aged 5-14 make up 9.7%, which is lower than the Greater Adelaide average. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 17.1% to 18.1%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 13.6% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Woodville - Cheltenham, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 79%, reaching 1,847 people from 1,029.