Athol Park

Athol Park has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, Athol Park's estimated population is around 2,251. This reflects an increase of 228 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,023. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,136 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,394 persons per square kilometer for Athol Park, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's population growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (8.7%) and metropolitan averages, marking Athol Park as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Athol Park statistical area (Lv2).

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for Athol Park (SA2), with an expected increase of 396 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.5% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Athol Park when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis indicates Athol Park has had around 14 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 70 homes. In FY26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in the area between FY21 and FY25 was 1.9 people annually. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $320,000.

This financial year has seen $5.1 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athol Park shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 72.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 125 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts suggest Athol Park will gain 282 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Athol Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, substantial projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Our Port, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Stage Three, North South Corridor, and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety. Below is the list of those most likely to be relevant.

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Employment performance in Athol Park has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Athol Park's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 6.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.0%.

As of September 2025, 1,075 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.9% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food. Manufacturing had a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Education & training had limited presence, at 4.2% compared to the regional 9.3%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0%, labour force by 3.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% with a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National unemployment was 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Athol Park's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Athol Park has an income level below the national average, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Athol Park is $46,074, with an average income of $51,274. This compares to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Athol Park would be approximately $50,129 (median) and $55,786 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Athol Park fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. The income bracket indicating earnings of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 33.8% of the community (760 individuals), consistent with metropolitan trends showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

Athol Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Athol Park, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.5% houses and 28.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Athol Park was 23.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.4% and rented ones at 41.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Athol Park was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, Athol Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Athol Park features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.3% of all households, including 33.9% couples with children, 18.6% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households at 5.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

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

Athol Park trail residents aged 15+ have 22.2% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 27.9%, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 17.4%. Educational participation is high, with 31.0% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.5%), secondary (7.8%), and tertiary (5.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows 16 active public transport stops in Athol Park, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together offer 596 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 158 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 85 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Athol Park shows excellent health outcomes across all ages. The prevalence of common health conditions is very low. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, covering around 1,065 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 53.3% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 6.7% and 5.8% respectively. Around 77.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.0%, or around 292 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 20%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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

Athol Park has a population where 54.2% were born overseas, with 66.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 36.8%. However, Buddhism is notably higher at 17.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Vietnamese (21.7%), Other (20.0%), and English (11.6%). Notably, Serbian (2.3%) and Filipino (4.3%) populations exceed regional averages of 1.3% and 1.0%, respectively, while Polish is slightly lower at 1.2%.

Athol Park hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Athol Park's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athol Park has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 65-74 has grown from 6.9% to 8.1%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.5% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Athol Park's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 24%, adding 55 residents and reaching a total of 292. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 5%, adding 10 people.