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, as of Nov 2025, Adelaide's estimated population is around 23,865. This reflects an increase of 5,663 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,202. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 21,767 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 459 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,277 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Adelaide's growth rate of 31.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (8.7%) and metropolitan area figures, marking it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 98.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for Adelaide (SA2), with an expected expansion of 3,202 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 4.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Adelaide recorded approximately 227 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,135 homes. As of FY-26, around 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 3.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand exceeding new supply. The average construction cost value for new properties was $588,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year saw $865.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide's new home approvals per capita are comparable, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed recently. Nationally, the location's approval levels are substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence. New development comprises 4.0% detached houses and 96.0% attached dwellings, favouring compact living to offer affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The area has approximately 245 people per dwelling approval, leaving room for growth.

Future projections estimate Adelaide will add 1,104 residents by 2041, with current development patterns indicating new housing supply should readily meet demand, presenting favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Market Square and Central Market Expansion, Festival Plaza Tower 2, The Cullinan, and Little National Hotel Adelaide. The following details those 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 Adelaide has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Adelaide has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 7.8% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 12,789 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was 3.9% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 59.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents included accommodation & food, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance, with a particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food (2.4 times the regional level). Construction employed only 4.1% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%.

The area hosted more jobs than residents, with 6.6 workers per resident as at the Census, functioning as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force grew by 3.8%, causing a reduction in unemployment rate of 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. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.3% 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Adelaide had a median income among taxpayers of $42,296. The average income stood at $61,773. Both figures are below the national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since June 30, 2023, current estimates suggest median income is approximately $46,018 and average income is around $67,209 by September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Adelaide rank modestly between the 25th and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually (6,944 individuals), similar to broader trends across the region at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Adelaide, 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

In Adelaide, as per the latest Census evaluation, houses constituted 4.4% while other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') made up 95.6%. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 8.8% houses and 91.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Adelaide stood at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.7% and rented ones at 66.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with the Adelaide metro average, while the median weekly rent was $400, matching Adelaide metro's figure too. Nationally, Adelaide's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, but rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Adelaide features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise 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, matching the Greater Adelaide average.

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

Adelaide's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 52.8% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This is attributed to bachelor degrees at 32.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.7%, and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational pathways account for 19.2%, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 9.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 42.7% currently enrolled in formal education, including 30.7% in tertiary, 3.0% in primary, and 2.0% in secondary education.

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

Adelaide has 264 active public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 282 individual routes operating from these stops, providing a total of 28,609 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 142 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is high, with approximately 4,087 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

Adelaide's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Adelaide's health outcomes data shows excellent results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of approximately 2021, about 51% (~12,273 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Adelaide's 56.4%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.1 and 5.5% respectively. About 77.1% claim to be free of medical ailments, compared to 75.2% in Greater Adelaide. Around 13.0% (3,102 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Adelaide's 15.1%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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's population, as of a study conducted in 2021, comprises 46.3% who speak a language other than English at home and 55.8% who were born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Adelaide, with 26.6% of its population identifying as such. However, Buddhism is notably more prevalent in Adelaide compared to the regional average, making up 5.6% of the city's population.

The top three ancestry groups in Adelaide are Chinese (21.4%), English (20.0%), and Australian (12.0%). Notable differences exist for certain ethnic groups: Koreans make up 1.5% of Adelaide's population, Vietnamese comprise 1.9%, and French represent 0.7%.

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

Adelaide's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Adelaide's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 27.3% to 30.0%, while the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.3% to 4.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 9.1% to 7.7%, and the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has dropped from 8.5% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Adelaide's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The population aged 85 and over is projected to grow by 168%, adding 600 residents to reach a total of 958. This growth is driven by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 62% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the cohorts aged 5-14 and 15-24.