Burton (SA)

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Burton (SA) is around 6726 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 207 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6519. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 6655 in June 2024 and the validation of 27 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1102 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Burton has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed around 62% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's projections for each SA2 area 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 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Burton is expected to grow by approximately 676 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total gain of around 9.3% 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 shows Burton has recorded approximately nine residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 47 homes. So far in FY26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.5 new residents are added per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25.

Demand significantly exceeds supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $245,000. This financial year has seen $107.8 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Burton shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 61.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, Burton's level is also below 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 the area's suburban nature with a focus 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 628 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Burton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact the region. Notable ones are Riverlea Estate, Strategic Growth Framework - Waterloo Corner and Bolivar Corridor, Lot C Paralowie Land Development, and Edinburgh Defence Precinct Mid-Term Refresh. The following list outlines those most relevant.

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.

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

Burton has a diverse workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent in the city. The unemployment rate was 6.8% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 1.7%. As of September 2025, 3,159 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is 2.8% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Burton is similar to Greater Adelaide's figure of 66.4%. According to Census data, only 5.7% of residents work from home.

The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing employs 1.9 times more residents than the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employ just 2.8% of local workers, lower than Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Many Burton residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to local population. In the year up to September 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a similar decrease in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burton's current employment mix suggests local employment could grow 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2023, the suburb of Burton had a median income among taxpayers of $50,726 with the average level standing at $54,583. This is lower than national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,190 (median) and $59,386 (average) as of September 2025. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data released in June 2021, household income ranks at the 36th percentile ($1,517 weekly), while personal income sits at the 19th percentile. The data shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 39.8% of residents (2,676 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burton, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile nationally.

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

Burton's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, was 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 stood at 21.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.8% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment 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 at $1,312 versus the Australian 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, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 32.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, 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 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

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 area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average located 259 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Burton's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 96 trips per day, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per stop.

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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions, particularly among older age cohorts. Private health cover is low in Burton, with approximately 49% of the total population (~3,269 people) having it, compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.3%) and mental health issues (7.7%). Conversely, 71.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. Burton has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.5%, compared to 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. However, health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 32.5% born overseas and 36.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 33.2%. Buddhism is notably higher in Burton at 13.4%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (23.5%), English (22.9%), and Other (20.5%) are the top groups. The 'Other' category is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Vietnamese at 5.6% in Burton versus 1.2% regionally, Polish at 1.2% versus 1.0%, and Serbian at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

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

Burton's median age is 33 years, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's median age of 39 and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 15.8% of Burton's population compared to Greater Adelaide's percentage. However, the 75-84 age cohort makes up only 2.6% of Burton's population. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.1% to 14.5% of Burton's population while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate that the 45-54 age cohort in Burton is projected to increase by 234 people (28%) from 834 to 1,069. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to grow by a modest 1% (13 people).