Blair Athol (SA)

Blair Athol lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Blair Athol (SA) statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,090. This represents a growth of 816 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,274. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 5,697 residents based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. The Blair Athol (SA) (SA2) has a population density ratio of 3,107 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Its growth rate of 15.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's average of 8.7% and the metropolitan area's growth. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 80.0% 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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an above median growth for Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the Blair Athol (SA) (SA2) is projected to expand by 1,402 persons, reflecting a total gain of 17.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Blair Athol among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Blair Athol has seen around 88 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 444 homes were approved, with an additional 37 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.2 new residents arrive per new home annually over these five years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic fostering stable market conditions.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $351,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. This year has seen $53.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Blair Athol exhibits 92.0% higher construction activity per person. However, recent construction activity has eased slightly. Nationally, this activity is above average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity comprises 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density options and creating diverse housing opportunities across price brackets.

This shift contrasts with the area's existing housing composition of 80.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles driving demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 80 people per dwelling approval, Blair Athol exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Blair Athol adding approximately 1,038 residents by 2041, with current development rates expected to comfortably meet demand and potentially support population growth beyond current projections.

Blair Athol has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect this region. Key projects are The Parks (Enfield) Residential Estate, Northern Adelaide Road Upgrades Program, Prospect Corner, and Enfield Community & Recreation Centre. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Blair Athol recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Blair Athol has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 6.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025, 2,851 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% higher than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 59.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with a strong specialization in construction (1.3 times the regional level) but below-average employment in education & training (7.2% vs Greater Adelaide's 9.3%). Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data.

Over the year to September 2025, Blair Athol's employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 1.4%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Blair Athol's current employment mix indicates potential local growth rates of 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Blair Athol had a lower than average income level nationally in financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $46,825 and the average income stood at $52,875. These figures compared to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $50,946 (median) and $57,528 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Blair Athol's household income ranked at the 33rd percentile ($1,459 weekly), while personal income sat at the 17th percentile. Income analysis showed that the largest segment comprised 33.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,046 residents). This was consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.

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

In Blair Athol, as recorded at the latest Census, 79.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 20.3% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 74.6% houses and 25.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Blair Athol stood at 21.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 46.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,603. The median weekly rent in Blair Athol was $321, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Blair Athol's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.1% of all households, including 30.4% couples with children, 19.4% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 24.9% and group households comprising 10.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Blair Athol shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 28.3%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 18.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.8% in tertiary education, and 7.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 18 active transport stops in Blair Athol, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 25 routes, offering a total of 1,951 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 229 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 278 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 108 weekly trips per individual stop.

Blair Athol's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance throughout Blair Athol. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 48% of the total population (~2,919 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.1 and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 75.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.8% across Greater Adelaide. Blair Athol has 10.1% of residents aged 65 and over (615 people), which is lower than the 14.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Blair Athol has a population where 50.7% were born overseas, with 57.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Blair Athol at 31.4%. Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's average, comprising 26.4% of Blair Athol's population.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (30.5%), English (14.8%), and Australian (14.4%). Notably, Vietnamese (4.5%) and Serbian (0.7%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Blair Athol hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Blair Athol's median age is 32, which is considerably lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Blair Athol has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.4%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.3% to 15.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts in Blair Athol, with the strongest projected growth occurring among the 45-54 age group, which is expected to increase by 30%, adding 197 residents to reach a total of 855.