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 Bridgewater (SA), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's estimated population is around 3,870 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 151 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,719 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,858 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 563 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for Bridgewater 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, as 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, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends anticipate a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with Bridgewater expected to expand by 224 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bridgewater averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This totals 16 homes approved over those years, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26.

Each year, approximately 5.9 new residents are associated with every home built during the same period. This demand significantly exceeds supply, typically driving price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is $651,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Bridgewater records notably lower building activity, 92.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity strengthens demand and prices for existing properties but has accelerated in recent years.

However, it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Bridgewater's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 508 people. Population forecasts indicate Bridgewater will gain 175 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bridgewater has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this region. Notable initiatives include New Mount Barker Hospital, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts.

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

Bridgewater has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of June 2025, 2,243 residents are employed at an unemployment rate of 2.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is high 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 shows strong specialization with an employment share 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%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 1.7%, causing a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts project growth rates for Bridgewater over five and ten-year periods based on its local employment profile. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bridgewater's median income among taxpayers was $58,877 with an average of $83,340. This is among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bridgewater would be approximately $66,431 (median) and $94,033 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Bridgewater cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.2% of the community (1,362 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of 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

Dwelling structure in Bridgewater, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings. In Adelaide metro, this was 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bridgewater was 35.7%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remainder of dwellings were either mortgaged (53.9%) or rented (10.5%). Median monthly mortgage repayment in Bridgewater was $1,733, aligning with the Adelaide metro average. Median weekly rent in Bridgewater was $400, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Bridgewater's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 73.9% of all households, including 35.7% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with 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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 41.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in the Greater Adelaide area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.2% and graduate diplomas at 5.3%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.4% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 20.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education. Bridgewater Primary School provides local educational services within Bridgewater, with an enrollment of 192 students as of the 2020 academic year. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (5.0 places per 100 residents vs 14.0 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 14 active stops operating within Bridgewater, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 21 individual routes, collectively facilitating 399 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 shows superior health outcomes with both younger and older age groups having low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 60% of Bridgewater's total population (2317 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 55.2%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.1% and 9.1% of residents respectively. 69.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 68.5%. Bridgewater has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.9% (654 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among Bridgewater's senior residents are particularly strong, outperforming 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. The predominant religion in Bridgewater is Christianity, comprising 31.5% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.5%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (8.6%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 8.1% compared to 8.2% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Hungarian at 0.4% compared to 0.3%.

Bridgewater's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bridgewater is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 45-54 years shows strong representation at 15.2% compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.2% to 12.3%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.5% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 14.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bridgewater. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 143%, reaching 141 people from 58, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 and 25-34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.