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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
An assessment of population growth drivers in Burton 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 since the Census, Burton's population is estimated at around 6,640 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 121 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,519 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,625 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,088 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burton's 1.9% growth since census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb 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 for Burton, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 630 persons to reach 7,270 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall gain of 9.3% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Burton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Burton recorded approximately 9 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 48 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there was an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. However, this decreased to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. The average construction value for new homes is $245,000.
In FY-26, commercial development approvals amounted to $107.8 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Burton has significantly reduced construction levels, 60.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, recent construction activity has intensified. New developments consist of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Burton's suburban nature with a focus on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 458 people per dwelling approval, Burton indicates a developed market.
According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Burton is forecasted to gain 615 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Burton (SA)
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Burton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth 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, and Edinburgh Defence Precinct Mid-Term Refresh. These projects are considered most relevant to the area.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Playford Health Hub
A three-stage private health precinct directly opposite the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide's northern suburbs. Stage 1 (completed November 2021) delivered a 24 million dollar, 450-bay multi-deck car park and around 1,700 square metres of retail anchored by SA Health, IGA, Medimart and Australia Post. Stage 2 (completed May 2024) is a 51 million dollar, four-level, 6,500 square metre Specialist Medical Centre powered entirely by renewable energy, designed as South Australia's first 6 Star Green Star registered medical office building. Tenants include Calvary's Connery Centre for day oncology, GenesisCare radiotherapy, Radiology SA, Clinpath Pathology, SA Health and consulting suites. Stage 3 is an approximately 93 million dollar private hospital to be operated by Calvary Health Care, with provision for around ten operating theatres and up to 120 day and overnight beds. It received planning consent from the City of Playford in 2023, is in detailed design and early contractor involvement, and will replace the existing Calvary Central Districts Hospital. An airbridge is planned to link the new private hospital with the public Lyell McEwin Hospital.
Edinburgh Defence Precinct Mid-Term Refresh
A comprehensive infrastructure program to replace and upgrade critical engineering services and facilities at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct. The scope includes a major overhaul of the high-voltage power network with new emergency power stations and switching stations, along with fire water, sewer, and stormwater system upgrades. The project also facilitates the relocation of units from Elizabeth North Training Depot and the development of new facilities for the Army Reserve and Army Cadets to ensure long-term base resilience and capability support.
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
Northern Connector
Six-lane, 15.5 kilometre motorway providing vital freight and commuter link between Northern Expressway, South Road Superway and Port River Expressway. South Australia's first major concrete motorway and widest in the country. Includes 16 kilometres of shared cyclist and pedestrian paths connecting to Stuart O'Grady Bikeway. Features four major interchanges, intelligent transport systems, wetland restoration and Indigenous-inspired design elements. Opened March 7, 2020.
Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme
The Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) is a recycled water scheme delivering high-quality treated water from the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant to agribusinesses across the Northern Adelaide Plains. Stage 1 infrastructure was built to provide up to 12 gigalitres per year of climate-independent recycled water for horticulture, floriculture, fruit and nut orchards, table and wine grapes, and high-value broad-acre crops, with the network designed to enable future expansion to 20 gigalitres. Key infrastructure includes an advanced water recycling plant at Bolivar, a transfer pipeline, pump stations, an above-ground earth-banked storage at Korunye, managed aquifer recharge, and a distribution network with farm-gate connection points. Construction began in 2018 and the scheme is operational. As of 2025 around 35 per cent of the contracted volume has been sold, and SA Water has been undertaking a review to assess current and forecast demand and identify potential opportunities for the scheme.
Riverlea Estate
Riverlea is a large masterplanned community at Riverlea Park in Adelaides north delivering about 12,000 homes for roughly 30,000 to 40,000 residents as part of a staged 3 billion dollar investment over 25 to 30 years.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} The Walker Buckland Park Developments project includes multiple residential precincts, a town centre and retail hubs, schools, medical and community facilities, plus around 420 to 450 hectares of open space and lakes connected by extensive walking and cycling trails.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Construction is well advanced with early stages titled, land and terrace releases on sale, major intersections and trunk services delivered, and updated approvals in place for later stages and a saltwater lakes system.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals
State and federal government project to electrify the 42km Gawler rail line from Adelaide CBD to Gawler, with 25kV AC overhead wiring, new signalling systems, upgrade of 14 stations, and activation of 13 pedestrian crossings. Electrified passenger services commenced June 2022. The complementary Ovingham Level Crossing Removal ($231M) replaced the high-risk Torrens Road crossing with a new overpass, public plaza and upgraded Ovingham Railway Station, completing in late 2023.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
Employment
Employment drivers in Burton are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia
Burton has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 7.0% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 0.8%.
This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 3,103 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Burton is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, a low 5.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing particularly stands out with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level, while professional & technical services employ just 2.8% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, alongside labour force growth of 0.8%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate potential future demand within Burton. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Burton had a median taxpayer income of $50,726 and an average income of $54,583. Nationally, the averages were $54,808 and $66,852 in Greater Adelaide respectively. By March 2026, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth, median income is estimated at $55,885 and average at $60,134. The 2021 Census ranks Burton's household income at the 36th percentile ($1,517 weekly) and personal income at the 19th percentile. Most residents (39.8%, or 2,642 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Burton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Burton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burton was at 21.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.8% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burton was $1,312, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent figure in Burton was $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Burton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Burton features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 16.8% and group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (25.5%).
Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.2% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Burton has 28 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by seven different routes that together facilitate 676 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Burton is rated as good, with residents typically located 259 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 95%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Across all routes, service frequency averages 96 trips per day, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Burton is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts
Burton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment released on June 14th, 2021. The area has a substantially higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, with an even greater disparity among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Burton is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 3,227 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.
Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.3 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 71.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Health outcomes among Burton's working-age population are broadly typical. However, the area has a lower proportion of seniors at 10.7% (710 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 cultural diversity, with 32.5% of its population born overseas and 36.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Burton, comprising 33.2% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented in Burton at 13.4%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4%.
The top three ancestry groups are Australian (23.5%), English (22.9%), and Other (20.5%), which is higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Vietnamese, Polish, and Serbian ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Burton at 5.6%, 1.2%, and 0.6% respectively, compared to their regional averages of 1.2%, 1.0%, and 0.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Burton's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide
Burton's median age in 2021 was 33 years, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's median age of 39 and considerably younger than Australia's national average of 38. The 5-14 age group constituted 15.7% of Burton's population, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage, while the 75-84 cohort made up only 2.6%. Between 2021 and a recent period, the 65 to 74 age group grew from 6.1% to 7.0%, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 14.8% to 13.4%, and the 5 to 14 group decreased from 16.8% to 15.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts for Burton. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase by 219 people (26%), rising from 836 to 1,056. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1%, adding only 9 people.