Burton (SA)

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Burton (SA) statistical area's population is estimated at around 6725 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 206 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6519 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6655 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1102 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, the Burton (SA) (SA2) has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.1% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the Burton (SA) (SA2) expected to grow by 689 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 9.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Burton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Burton has recorded around 9 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 47 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.5 new residents are associated with every home built annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $245,000.

In FY26, $107.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Burton has substantially reduced construction activity (61.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recently, however, construction activity has intensified. This level is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Burton's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 459 people per dwelling approval, Burton shows a developed market. Population forecasts indicate Burton will gain 631 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Burton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the local area's performance: Riverlea Estate, Strategic Growth Framework - Waterloo Corner and Bolivar Corridor, Lot C Paralowie Land Development, Edinburgh Defence Precinct Mid-Term Refresh. The following details these key projects' anticipated impacts.

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

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Employment performance in Burton has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Burton's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented with an unemployment rate of 6.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%. As of September 2025, 3,154 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.9% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing was particularly strong with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employed only 2.8% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Many Burton residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.7% alongside labour force increasing by 1.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 25-November showed SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Burton suburb had median taxpayer income of $50,726 and average income of $54,583. These figures are lower than national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 in Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,190 and $59,386 respectively. From the 2021 Census data, Burton's household income ranks at 36th percentile with weekly income of $1,517, while personal income is at 19th percentile. Majority of residents (39.8%, or 2,676 people) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket, similar to broader area's pattern. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at 37th percentile.

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

Burton's latest Census evaluation shows its dwelling structure as 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Adelaide metro's 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burton stood at 21.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.8% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,312, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,300, while the median weekly rent was $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Burton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Burton features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.9% of all households, including 42.1% couples with children, 19.1% couples without children, and 18.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 16.8% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

Burton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 6.9% and certificates at 25.5%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.2% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Burton shows that there are currently 28 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 7 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 676 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 259 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 96 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burton's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Burton's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical, albeit higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low, at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,269 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.3 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 71.7% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. Burton has 10.2% of residents aged 65 and over (685 people), which is lower than the 16.1% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

Burton was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Burton has a high level of cultural diversity, with 32.5% of its population born overseas and 36.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Burton is Christianity, accounting for 33.2% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented compared to the Greater Adelaide average, comprising 13.4% of Burton's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (23.5%), English (22.9%), and Other (20.5%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese is overrepresented at 5.6%, Polish at 1.2%, and Serbian at 0.6%.

Burton's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Burton's median age was 33 years as of 2021, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's median age of 39 and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The population aged 5-14 represented 15.9% of Burton's total population in 2021, compared to Greater Adelaide. The 75-84 age group made up only 2.5% of Burton's population during this period. Between 2021 and the present day, the proportion of the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.1% to 14.3%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 25-34 decreased from 14.8% to 13.4% during this time period. Looking ahead to 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Burton. The number of people aged 45-54 is projected to rise by 252 individuals (a 31% increase) from 813 to 1,066. However, the population aged 5-14 is expected to decrease over this time frame.