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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Burton as of November 2025 is around 6,595. This reflects an increase of 76 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,519. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,543 resident population following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of approximately 1,081 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Burton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected for Burton. The suburb is expected to grow by 658 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall gain of 11.1% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Burton 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, Burton has recorded around 10 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 51 homes. From FY21 to FY25, an average of 4.2 new residents per year was associated with every home built. So far in FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average construction value of new properties is $245,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers.

Additionally, $14.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Measured against Greater Adelaide, Burton shows substantially reduced construction, with 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 579 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Burton is expected to grow by 730 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Burton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting the area: Riverlea Estate, Strategic Growth Framework - Waterloo Corner and Bolivar Corridor, Lot C Paralowie Land Development, and Riverscape Paralowie. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Burton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

The unemployment rate is 6.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of June 2025, there are 3,111 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%. This is 2.7% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%, but workforce participation is similar at 61.7%. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has a particularly high share of employment, at 1.9 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 2.8% employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Many residents commute outside Burton for work (Census data). In the past year, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate (AreaSearch analysis). National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burton's current employment mix indicates potential local growth of 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burton's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $50,726. The average income stood at $54,583 during the same period. For Greater Adelaide, these figures were $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. As of September 2025, current estimates suggest median income is approximately $57,234 and average income is around $61,586, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%. According to Census 2021 data, household income ranks at the 36th percentile ($1,517 weekly), while personal income sits at the 19th percentile. Income analysis shows that 39.8% of Burton's population (2,624 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burton, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile.

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

Burton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burton was at 21.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (54.8%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burton was $1,312, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Burton was $310, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Burton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,312 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including 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, 8.2% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education. Burton Primary School serves the local area, enrolling 453 students as of a given date. The school's ICSEA score is 941, indicating varied educational conditions. It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited, with 6.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.9, necessitating travel for schooling in many cases.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 676 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is deemed good, with residents on average being located just 259 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 96 trips across all routes, which equates to roughly 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 levels of common health conditions among its residents somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 49% (~3,205 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.3 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 71.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 10.2% (672 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 16.1% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

Burton is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch 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. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burton, accounting for 33.2% of the population. Buddhism, however, is notably overrepresented, comprising 13.4%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 5.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (23.5%), English (22.9%), and Other (20.5%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese at 5.6% (vs regional 3.1%), Polish at 1.2% (vs 1.1%), and Serbian at 0.6% (vs 0.5%) in Burton compared to the Greater Adelaide region.

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

Burton's median age of 33 years is significantly younger than Greater Adelaide's 39 and considerably younger than the national average of 38. The population aged 5-14 represents 15.9%, higher than Greater Adelaide, while those aged 75-84 make up 2.5%, lower than Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.1% to 14.3%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 14.8% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Burton's population structure. The number of people aged 45-54 is projected to increase by 258 individuals (32%) from 804 to 1,063. Meanwhile, the number of those aged 55-64 is set to grow modestly by 1% (7 people).