Adelaide

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the population of Adelaide is estimated at around 23,914. This reflects an increase of 5,712 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,202. The change is inferred from the resident population of 21,767 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 513 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,281 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Adelaide's growth of 31.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth of 9.0%, making it a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected for Adelaide, with the area expected to expand by 3,202 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Adelaide recorded around 227 residential property approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,135 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 3.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $588,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, there have been $865.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide has comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, the location's approval levels are substantially higher, indicating strong developer confidence. New development consists of 4.0% detached houses and 96.0% attached dwellings, favouring compact living and offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The area has approximately 245 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Adelaide is projected to add 1,055 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Adelaide has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 57 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Market Square and Central Market Expansion, Festival Plaza Tower 2, The Cullinan, and Little National Hotel Adelaide. The following details projects expected to have the 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 Adelaide has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Adelaide has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.4%. As of September 2025, 12,789 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.9%, matching Greater Adelaide's rate.

Workforce participation was also on par at 66.4%. According to Census responses, 14.1% of residents worked from home. Key industries include accommodation & food, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level, but construction employs only 4.1%, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%.

There were 6.6 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force grew by 3.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Adelaide's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Adelaide had a median income among taxpayers of $42,296 and an average income of $61,773. These figures are below the national average. Across Greater Adelaide, the median income was $54,808 and the average was $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $46,018 (median) and $67,209 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Adelaide rank modestly, between the 25th and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 29.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with broader regional trends where 31.8% fall into this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 16th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Adelaide features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Adelaide as 4.4% houses and 95.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership within Adelaide was at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.7% and rented dwellings at 66.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Adelaide's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Adelaide features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 40.2% of all households, including 7.0% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 4.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 59.8%, with lone person households at 45.4% and group households comprising 14.5%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Adelaide residents aged 15+ have a high educational attainment, with 52.8% holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational pathways account for 19.2%, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 9.7%. Educational participation is significant, with 42.7% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 30.7% in tertiary education, 3.0% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Adelaide has 241 active public transport stops offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 282 routes, collectively facilitating 28,609 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 142 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 38%, followed by walking at 36% and bus use at 14%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 4,087 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 118 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Adelaide's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis shows strong health metrics across Adelaide.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 12,298 people). Mental health issues and asthma were the most common conditions, affecting 9.1 and 5.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 77.1%, reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents showed low chronic condition prevalence. The area had 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (around 3,228 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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

Adelaide has a culturally diverse population, with 46.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.8% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Adelaide, comprising 26.6% of its population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Adelaide compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 5.6% versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.4%), English (20.0%), and Australian (12.0%). Notably, Korean (1.5%) and Vietnamese (1.9%) are overrepresented in Adelaide compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 1.2%, respectively. French is also slightly overrepresented at 0.7% versus the regional average of 0.4%.

Adelaide hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Adelaide's median age at 30 years is notably younger than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.3%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the proportion of Adelaide's population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 27.3% in an unspecified earlier period to 30.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 3.3% to 5.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 declined from 9.1% to 7.7%, and those aged 55 to 64 dropped from 8.5% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Adelaide's age profile will significantly evolve by the year 2041. The cohort of residents aged 85 and above shows the strongest projected growth at 136%, adding 551 residents to reach a total of 958. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 64% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 5-14 and 15-24 years.