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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Athelstone statistical area (Lv2) is around 9,957. This reflects a growth of 356 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,601. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,876 as of June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 89 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,608 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.0% 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are used, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected for the Athelstone (SA2). By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 906 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 8.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Athelstone had around 56 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 280 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The market appears stable, with supply meeting demand. New properties are constructed at an average value of $447,000, indicating a focus on premium segment upmarket properties. Commercial development approvals totalled $1.9 million in FY-26, suggesting minimal commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athelstone has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 74th percentile nationally. New development consists of 80% detached dwellings and 20% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. The location has approximately 168 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Athelstone to add 825 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Athelstone has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Highbury Aqueduct Reserve Master Plan Implementation, Verde in Athelstone, Modbury Hospital Redevelopment, and Campbelltown Performing Arts Centre. Relevant projects are listed below.

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. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 5,709 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide at 66.6%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training has a high concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 14.7% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force increased by 3.0%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National forecasts suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Athelstone's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Athelstone had an income level below the national average according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Athelstone was $52,830 and the average income stood at $64,519, compared to figures for Greater Adelaide of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,479 (median) and $70,197 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Athelstone cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 33.8% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (3,365 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas 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 was at 45.0%, with mortgaged properties at 41.8% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,736. The median weekly rent figure was $360, compared to Adelaide metro's $345. Nationally, Athelstone's mortgage repayments were below 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 comprise 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 account for 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%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (19.6%). Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.0% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 6.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 44 active stops in Athelstone, all bus services. These are covered by 23 routes, offering 827 weekly passenger trips. Residents' proximity to transport is good, averaging 225 meters from nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 118 trips across all routes, equating to around 18 weekly trips per 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 shows above-average health outcomes with both younger and older age groups having low prevalence of common health conditions.

Its private health cover rate leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (around 5,228 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 6.9% of residents respectively. About 71.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 71.5% across Greater Adelaide. Approximately 21.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (around 2,120 people), which is higher than the 19.8% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors in Athelstone are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Athelstone was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Athelstone, surveyed in June 2016, had a population where 28.6% were born overseas. In this same period, 25.0% spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 59.1%.

The 'Other' religious category comprised 2.4%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 2.8%. Regarding ancestry, the top groups were English (20.8%), Italian (20.8%), and Australian (19.0%). Notably, Polish individuals made up 1.1% of Athelstone's population, compared to 0.9% regionally. Hungarian and Russian populations were also present at 0.4% each, matching regional percentages.

Athelstone hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

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