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, the suburb of Adelaide's population is estimated at around 22,528 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 4,326 people (23.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,202 people. 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 (June 2024) and an additional 459 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,149 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Adelaide's 23.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.1%), along with the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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, 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 3,202 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 10.8% 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 approximately 227 residential properties approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1,135 homes. In Financial Year 26, so far, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 3.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between Financial Years 21 and 25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $588,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $865.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Adelaide shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, Adelaide's new home approvals are substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. 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, indicating room for growth. Future projections estimate Adelaide will add 2,441 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development patterns continue, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Adelaide has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 57 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Market Square and Central Market Expansion, Festival Plaza Tower 2, The Cullinan, and Little National Hotel Adelaide. Below is a list detailing those likely 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 drivers in Adelaide are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Adelaide has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 8.3% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. As of June 2025, 12,165 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.3%, above Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 59.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries for employment among residents were accommodation & food, professional & technical, and health care & social assistance.

The area showed strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level. Construction employed just 4.1% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. There were 6.6 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating the area functions as an employment hub. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and labour force increased by 1.7%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment rise marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Adelaide. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Adelaide had a median income among taxpayers of $42,296. The average income stood at $61,773. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $47,723 (median) and $69,698 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Adelaide, between the 25th and 33rd percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.1% of the community (6,555 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 16th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th 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, dwelling structures comprised 4.4% houses and 95.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 8.8% houses and 91.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Adelaide was at 18.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (15.7%) or rented (66.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with the Adelaide metro average. The median weekly rent figure was $400, matching Adelaide metro's figure. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 40.2% of all households, including 7.0% that are couples with children, 26.6% that are couples without children, and 4.7% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 matches 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 residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader averages. Specifically, 52.8% hold university qualifications compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in the Greater Adelaide area. This educational advantage is driven by 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 30.7% in tertiary education, 3.0% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing secondary education. Sixteen schools serve a total of 8,060 students in the area, which demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1083. The educational mix includes two primary, nine secondary, and five K-12 schools. Note that for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

The analysis indicates that there are currently 241 operational public transport stops within Adelaide. These include a combination of train, light rail, and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 258 different routes, collectively facilitating 27,341 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, with residents on average located just 142 meters from their nearest transport stop. On a daily basis, service frequency averages 3,905 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 113 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 with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover in this area is approximately 51% (around 11,586 people), which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 58.6%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.1% and 5.5% of residents respectively. A total of 77.1% of residents declare themselves completely free from medical ailments, compared to 75.2% across Greater Adelaide. This area has 13.0% (2,928 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Adelaide. The health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health 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 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%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 5.6% of Adelaide's population versus 4.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.4%), English (20.0%), and Australian (12.0%). Korean (1.5%) and Vietnamese (1.9%) are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages, while French is equally represented at 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 concentration of residents aged 25-34 (30.0%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.5%). This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of Adelaide's population in the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 27.3% to 30.0%, while the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.3% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 9.1% to 7.7%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 8.5% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Adelaide's age profile by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 12%, adding 804 residents to reach a total of 7,563. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.