Blackwood (SA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Blackwood (SA) is estimated at around 4510 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 244 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4266 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4492, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1078 persons per square kilometer. Blackwood's growth of 5.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 5%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 55% 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 adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. Projecting forward, an above median population growth is expected for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Blackwood (SA) is projected to grow by 683 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.3% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Blackwood has experienced around 15 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 76 homes. From July 2021 to June 2022 (FY-26), 7 approvals have been recorded so far. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there has been an average of 4.7 new residents per year for every home built, indicating demand outpacing supply and potentially putting upward pressure on prices. The average construction cost value of new dwellings in Blackwood is $557,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $545,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly residential-focused. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Blackwood has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, this activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Blackwood's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 195 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Blackwood is expected to grow by 689 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Blackwood has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to affect this region: Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, and Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements. Other notable projects are Springbank Secondary College upgrade and the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project. The following details those most relevant.

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The exceptional employment performance in Blackwood places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Blackwood has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.5% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7%.

The unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is equal to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 18.3% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training has a particularly high share at 1.6 times the regional level, while manufacturing is under-represented at 4.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.0%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, labour force by 3.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between sectors. Applying these projections to Blackwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Blackwood has an average national income level according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Blackwood is $54,389, and the average income stands at $67,856. In comparison, Greater Adelaide's median income is $54,808, and its average income is $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Blackwood would be approximately $59,175 (median) and $73,827 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Blackwood cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 28.6% of residents (1,289 people), which is similar to the broader area where 31.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Blackwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blackwood stood at 43.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.3%) or rented (15.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Blackwood was $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Blackwood's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Blackwood has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 30.6% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Blackwood is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 42.4% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) as a whole and 28.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.3% and graduate diplomas at 5.7%. Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 28.5% of residents holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 18.0%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows that Blackwood has 32 active transport stops, comprising a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 31 individual routes, providing a total of 954 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 279 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains car at 84%, while train usage stands at 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 18.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 136 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Blackwood demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~2,427 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 9.5% of residents and arthritis affecting 9.3%. A total of 64.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,100 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Blackwood records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Blackwood's cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, with 78.1% born in Australia, 93.6% being citizens, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 35.3%. Judaism, at 0.1%, is slightly higher than the regional average of 0.1%.

Top ancestral groups are English (35.6%), Australian (24.2%), and Scottish (8.5%). Notably, Polish (1.1% vs 1.0%) and German (6.3% vs 5.1%) groups are overrepresented in Blackwood compared to the region.

Blackwood hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Blackwood's median age is 45 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The percentage of residents aged 75-84 in Blackwood is 8.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group represents 8.3% of Blackwood's population. According to data from the 2021 Census, Blackwood's 15 to 24 age group increased from 10.1% to 11.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 12.7% to 11.4%. The 5 to 14 age group also dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, Blackwood's demographic profile is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 123%, adding 232 individuals to reach a total of 422 in this age group. Conversely, the population in the 65 to 74 age range is anticipated to fall by 15%.