Cheltenham (SA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Cheltenham 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, as of November 2025, Cheltenham (SA) statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,571. This reflects an increase of 335 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,236 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,421 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,255 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cheltenham (SA)'s growth of 15.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both state (8.7%) and metropolitan area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and for areas not covered or years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median growth is projected, with Cheltenham (SA) expected to increase by 504 persons to reach approximately 3,075 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 11.9% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Cheltenham when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Cheltenham has seen approximately 20 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 100 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each year, about 1.7 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed during these years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand scenario, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $320,000. In terms of commercial development, $6.1 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial projects compared to residential ones. When comparing Cheltenham's construction rates with Greater Adelaide, the area maintains similar rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. The current new building activity shows 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift from the existing housing stock (currently 81.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Cheltenham has approximately 103 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add around 305 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Cheltenham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact this region: St. James, Kidman Park, St Clair Village - Stage 6 & 7, St Clair, and Findon Energy Storage Facility. Relevant details are provided below.

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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.

The labour market in Cheltenham shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Cheltenham has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,340 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Conversely, accommodation & food has lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 4.8% alongside labour force increasing by 4.4%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cheltenham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1st July 2023 for financial year 2023, the suburb of Cheltenham's median income among taxpayers is $54,297. The average income in Cheltenham was $60,425 during this period. This is below the national average. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 for the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates project Cheltenham's median income to be approximately $59,075 and the average income to be around $65,742 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Cheltenham rank modestly, falling between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows that 32.1% of the population (825 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is similar to the regional average of 31.8%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Cheltenham is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Cheltenham, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cheltenham stood at 36.1%, with mortgaged properties at 42.3% and rented ones at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,602, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Cheltenham was $290, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, Cheltenham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cheltenham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, consisting of 27.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Cheltenham exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Cheltenham, as of 2016, 23.4% of residents aged 15 and above held university degrees, compared to the national average of 30.4%. The most common qualifications were bachelor degrees at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational credentials were held by 33.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 24.4%. In total, 24.6% of the population was actively pursuing formal education in 2016, including 7.8% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Cheltenham has 11 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 743 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 193 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 106 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cheltenham is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Cheltenham faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,308 people), compared to 53.3% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 67.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2021, 20.5% of Cheltenham's residents are aged 65 and over (527 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Cheltenham was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cheltenham's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 20.4% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Cheltenham, comprising 50.6% of people. However, there was an overrepresentation in Other religions, which made up 1.4% compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestral groups were English (25.0%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (8.9%). Notably, Russian ancestry was overrepresented at 1.7% (vs regional 0.6%), Polish at 1.5% (vs 1.4%), and Croatian at 1.5% (vs 1.1%).

Cheltenham hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Cheltenham is 44 years, which exceeds Greater Adelaide's average age of 39 and is also higher than the Australian median age of 38. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Cheltenham at 15.5%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.8%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 11.3% to 12.4%, whereas the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, Cheltenham's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 100 people (a 74% increase), from 136 to 237. This growth reflects an aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of the projected growth. In contrast, the 55-64 age group is expected to show minimal growth of just 1%, adding only 2 people.