Athol Park

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

As of November 2025, the population of Athol Park is estimated to be around 2,223. This reflects an increase of 200 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,023. The latest estimate, 2,169 residents as of June 2024, was derived from AreaSearch's examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,364 persons per square kilometer, placing Athol Park in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 9.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (7.1%) and metropolitan area averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, Athol Park is expected to experience above median population growth nationally, increasing by 411 persons to reach a total of 2,634 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Athol Park has seen around 15 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 79 homes. In FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 93 people per dwelling approval, indicating growth area characteristics. The average construction value of new properties is $320,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

Commercial development activity has been minimal this financial year, with $1.1 million in approvals. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Athol Park records 12.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 88th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 32.0% detached houses and 68.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from existing patterns of 72.0% houses. This change may reflect diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Future projections estimate Athol Park will add 325 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand.

Future projections show Athol Park adding 325 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Athol Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 0 relevant projects impacting the region. Notable initiatives comprise Our Port, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Stage Three, North South Corridor, and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety, as detailed subsequently.

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

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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 7.1% in the past year, with an estimated growth of 2.6%.

As of June 2025, 1,074 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Workforce participation was on par with Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food. Manufacturing had a particularly strong presence, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Education & training had limited presence at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force increased by 3.0%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Athol Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Athol Park's median income among taxpayers was $46,074 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,274 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Adelaide's median income was $52,592 and average income was $64,886. By September 2025, estimates suggest Athol Park's median income will be approximately $51,985 and average income around $57,852, based on a 12.83% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Athol Park fall between the 19th and 26th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 33.8% of Athol Park residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with 751 individuals falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region, where 31.8% of residents earn within the same income band. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Athol Park, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, consisted of 71.5% houses and 28.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Adelaide metro's 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Athol Park was at 23.6%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (35.4%) or rented (41.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Athol Park was recorded at $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, Athol Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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's residents aged 15+ have educational qualifications that trail Australian averages. 22.2% hold 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% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 17.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside Athol Park's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 16 active stops operating in Athol Park, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 9 individual routes, offering 594 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 158 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 84 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per 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, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 47% (1,051 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.8%, and the national average of 55.3%. Residents commonly report asthma (6.7%) and mental health issues (5.8%), while 77.1% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Adelaide's 68.9%.

The area has 13.0% (288 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Adelaide's 20.0%. Despite this, seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's 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 and 66.0% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 36.8% of Athol Park's population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 17.6%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Vietnamese (21.7%), Other (20.0%), and English (11.6%). Serbian, Filipino, and Polish ethnicities have notable divergences in representation compared to regional averages: Serbian at 2.3% vs 1.3%, Filipino at 4.3% vs 1.0%, and Polish at 1.2% vs 1.4%.

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 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 65-74 has increased from 6.9% to 8.1%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.5% to 10.5%. By 2041, Athol Park's demographic modeling projects significant changes in its age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 26%, adding 60 residents to reach a total of 294. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort is projected to grow by 6% (11 people).