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 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Cheltenham (SA) as of November 2025 is around 2,537 people. This reflects an increase of 301 people (13.5%) since the ABS Census in 2021, which reported a population of 2,236 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,474 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce Region Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,225 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 13.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.1%) and metropolitan area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 520 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cheltenham has had approximately 20 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, around 103 homes were approved, with a further 14 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The supply and demand balance appears stable, with new dwellings developed at an average expected construction cost value of $320,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $3.3 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicative of the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Cheltenham maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. New building activity comprises 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition of 81.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 84 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Cheltenham is projected to grow by 355 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Cheltenham has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three key projects likely impacting the area: St. James, Kidman Park, St Clair Village - Stage 6 & 7, St Clair, and Findon Energy Storage Facility. These are detailed below as they are 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.

The employment environment in Cheltenham shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cheltenham has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.2%.

As of June 2025, 1,334 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Conversely, accommodation & food services show lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 3.2% alongside labour force increasing by 3.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released its latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Cheltenham's median income among taxpayers was $54,297, with an average of $60,425. This is below the national average. Greater Adelaide had a median income of $52,592 and an average of $64,886 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $61,263 (median) and $68,178 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Cheltenham rank modestly, between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. Distribution data indicates that 32.1% of the population (814 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.8%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. Cheltenham'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

The dwelling structure in Cheltenham, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cheltenham stood at 36.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.3% and rented dwellings at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,602, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Cheltenham was $290, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, Cheltenham's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 65.5% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households making up 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

Cheltenham's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 23.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (24.4%).

A significant 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.8% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities may be located outside Cheltenham's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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. These include train and bus services. There are 7 routes operating in total, serving these stops.

Each week, these routes facilitate 738 passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 193 meters. Services run an average of 105 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 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 prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,291 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively. 67.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2021, the area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (515 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 above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

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

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 25.0%, Australian at 22.7%, and Other at 8.9%. Notably, Russian ancestry was overrepresented in Cheltenham at 1.7% (compared to 0.6% regionally), Polish at 1.5% (vs 1.4%), and Croatian at 1.5% (vs 1.1%).

Cheltenham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Cheltenham is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also above Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the 55-64 age group is notably more prevalent in Cheltenham at 15.6%, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 8.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.3% to 12.4% of Cheltenham's population, whereas the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes for Cheltenham, with the 75-84 age cohort expected to grow by 106 people (an 80% increase) from 131 to 238 individuals. The aging population trend is evident, as those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 56% of the population growth. In contrast, the 55-64 age group shows minimal growth of just 2%, with an increase of only 7 people.