Bridgewater (SA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bridgewater 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, as of November 2025, the Bridgewater (SA) statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,842. This reflects an increase of 123 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,719. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,815, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 559 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, the Bridgewater (SA) statistical area is expected to expand by 223 persons to reach approximately 4,065 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.3% in total over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bridgewater according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Bridgewater averaged approximately 3 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21-FY25, around 16 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY26 to date.

This averages out to about 5.9 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years. The demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment as new properties are constructed at an average value of $651,000. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Bridgewater records notably lower building activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years.

It remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining Bridgewater's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 692 people. Population forecasts indicate Bridgewater will gain approximately 202 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bridgewater has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include South Eastern Freeway Upgrade, New Mount Barker Hospital, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, and Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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Employment conditions in Bridgewater rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Bridgewater has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%.

As of September 2025, 2,255 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is higher at 71.0% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training has a particularly strong share at 1.4 times the regional level.

Retail trade is under-represented, with only 6.5% of Bridgewater's workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 10.0%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 2.8%, labour force by 3.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bridgewater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch, released for the financial year ending June 2023, indicates that Bridgewater's median income among taxpayers is $58,877, with an average of $83,340. This places Bridgewater among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $64,058 (median) and $90,674 (average). Census data shows that incomes in Bridgewater cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.2% of the community (1,352 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Bridgewater is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Bridgewater, as recorded in the latest Census, 98.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bridgewater stood at 35.7%, similar to Adelaide metro's figure. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (53.9%) or rented (10.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with the Adelaide metro average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,733 and $350 respectively. Nationally, Bridgewater's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Bridgewater has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 73.9 percent of all households, consisting of 35.7 percent couples with children, 26.9 percent couples without children, and 11.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.1 percent, with lone person households at 23.6 percent and group households comprising 1.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Adelaide average.

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

Educational attainment in Bridgewater is notably high, with 41.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This compares to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.2% and graduate diplomas at 5.3%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 20.7%.

Educational participation is significantly high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.2% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active stops operating in Bridgewater, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, collectively facilitating 404 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 387 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 57 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per stop.

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

Bridgewater demonstrates above-average health outcomes. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (2,300 people), compared to 55.5% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.1% and 9.1% of residents respectively. 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.5% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2021, 16.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (649 people), which is lower than the 19.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Bridgewater ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bridgewater's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.0% of its population born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Bridgewater, comprising 31.5% of people. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, German (8.1%) and Welsh (0.8%) were overrepresented in Bridgewater compared to regional percentages of 8.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Hungarian was also slightly overrepresented at 0.4%.

Bridgewater's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Bridgewater is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but slightly older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 15.2% of the population in Bridgewater, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 8.9%, which is lower compared to Greater Adelaide. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 12.3%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 3.5% to 5.2%. However, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 15.3% to 14.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Bridgewater. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 145%, reaching 141 people from the initial 57. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.