Athelstone

An assessment of population growth drivers in Athelstone reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Athelstone is around 9,946, reflecting a growth of 345 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.6% rise from the previous population count of 9,601. AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,876 in Jun 2024, following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release and validation of new addresses since the Census date, supports this growth. The population density ratio is 1,606 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% to overall population gains during recent periods in Athelstone.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 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 are used, based on 2021 data released in 2023 and adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Projected demographic shifts indicate a population increase just below the median of national areas for Athelstone. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 906 persons, reflecting an 8.4% total gain over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Athelstone when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Athelstone has seen approximately 56 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 280 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The supply and demand appear well-balanced, maintaining stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $447,000. In FY26, there have been $1.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in the area.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 74th percentile nationally. The new development consists of 80% detached dwellings and 20% townhouses or apartments, supporting the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. Athelstone has approximately 168 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Future projections estimate that Athelstone will add 836 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply is expected to meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Athelstone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Highbury Aqueduct Reserve Master Plan Implementation, Verde in Athelstone, Campbelltown Performing Arts Centre, and Thorndon Park Reserve Master Plan Implementation (Ongoing). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Athelstone ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Athelstone has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year, based on AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 5,718 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Athelstone is 66.6%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, employment levels in education & training are at 1.3 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 14.7% compared to the regional average of 17.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, and labour force grew by 1.7% in Athelstone, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1%, with the labour force growing by 2.1%, and a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Athelstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Athelstone's median income among taxpayers was $52,830 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $64,519 during the same period. These figures are comparable to Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Athelstone would be approximately $59,608 (median) and $72,797 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that incomes in Athelstone cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 33.8% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 3,361 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area, where 31.8% fall into the same income bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Athelstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Athelstone's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 73.7% houses and 26.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Athelstone stood at 45.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.8% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,736. Median weekly rent in Athelstone was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $345. Nationally, Athelstone's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Athelstone features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.7% of all households, including 40.0% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.3%, with lone person households at 18.8% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Athelstone exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 32.1%, substantially lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (19.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education. Athelstone's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,977 students, while the area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1098). The educational mix includes 2 primary and 1 K-12 school. As an education hub, the area offers 19.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 11.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Athelstone shows that there are 44 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. There are 22 individual routes servicing these stops, which together provide a total of 823 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located an average of 224 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 117 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Athelstone is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Athelstone exhibits superior health outcomes with both young and elderly residents showing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 53%, which is higher than the average SA2 area (~5,222 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 6.9% of residents respectively. Notably, 71.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 71.5% across Greater Adelaide. Athelstone has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.3% (2,118 people), compared to the 19.8% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors in Athelstone are particularly robust, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Athelstone 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

Athelstone's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most nearby markets, with 28.6% born overseas and 25.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Athelstone, accounting for 59.1%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 2.4%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 2.8%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (20.8%), Italian (20.8%), and Australian (19.0%). Polish ethnicity was notably higher in Athelstone at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, while Hungarian and Russian remained at 0.4% and 0.5% respectively, matching their regional percentages.

Athelstone hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Athelstone is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 6.5% to 7.8%, while the 55-64 age group decreased from 14.2% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Athelstone's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 122%, reaching 531 people from 238. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.