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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.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Cheltenham (SA) has an estimated 2,286 residents, up from 2,236 at the 2021 Census — a change of 50 people, or 2.2%. That puts 2,005 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Cheltenham (SA) has an estimated population of approximately 2,286 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region and new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census. When compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 2,236 residents, this represents a growth of 50 individuals (2.2%). This shift is calculated from a resident population of 2,265, which was estimated by AreaSearch using the most recent ABS ERP statistics release (June 2025) and an additional 24 verified new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 2,005 residents per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
The primary driver of population growth in the area was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 87.0% of the overall population increases in recent times. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and for any years beyond 2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age group, published in 2023 and based on 2021 statistics, are applied with adjustments via a weighted aggregation of population expansion from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at future demographic trends, Cheltenham (SA) is projected to experience population expansion above the median of national statistical regions, with an expected increase of 430 individuals by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level forecasts, representing a rise of 17.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
60 new dwellings have been approved in Cheltenham (SA) over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 5.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 12, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS building approval statistics compiled from statistical area data, Cheltenham registers approximately 12 residential approvals annually, with an estimated total of 60 dwellings approved over the past 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25) and 11 during the current FY-26. Because the suburb has seen a population decrease, the incoming supply has likely met local demand, providing buyers with options, while new homes are built at an average cost of $320,000. Additionally, commercial approvals have totaled $6.1 million this financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential character of the suburb.
In comparison to Greater Adelaide, Cheltenham generates approximately 62% of the residential building approvals per person, placing it in the 48th percentile of locations evaluated across the country, which translates to a somewhat restricted supply of new builds and encourages interest in established properties. Recent construction approvals comprise 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density options. This emphasis on denser housing configurations offers more accessible price points, catering to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This marks a clear departure from the suburb's current housing stock (where houses make up 81.0% of properties), signaling a decreasing volume of vacant development land and reflecting evolving lifestyle trends and a demand for more varied, affordable housing. There are approximately 349 residents for every dwelling approval, indicating a mature residential area. Demographic projections indicate that Cheltenham will add 409 residents by 2041, according to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Construction activity is keeping pace with these expansion forecasts, though buyers might face increased competition as the population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cheltenham (SA)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Cheltenham (SA). A further 14 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $1.5 billion. 5 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and council planning policies have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 major projects that are expected to influence the local area. The key developments include St. James, Kidman Park, St Clair Village - Stage 6 & 7, St Clair, and Grange Healthcare Precinct, with the following list highlighting those of greatest local significance.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
St. James, Kidman Park
An 11 hectare masterplanned residential community by Fairland on the former Metcash distribution centre site. The project will deliver more than 430 homes including detached houses, terraces and apartments, together with 1.6 hectares of open space connected to the River Torrens Linear Park. Construction of homes is well underway, new housing releases continue through 2026, and a separate 8000 sqm mixed-use lifestyle precinct with retail, childcare, apartments and commercial space is also under construction.
St Clair Village Stage 6 & 7
Mixed-use redevelopment and final expansion stages of the St Clair masterplanned community. ISPT is progressing a Planning and Design Code Amendment to rezone the vacant land north of St Clair Village Shopping Centre into the Suburban Activity Centre Zone and increase the maximum building height from four to seven storeys. The proposal is intended to enable future residential apartments, expanded retail, commercial uses, hospitality, childcare and associated public realm improvements adjacent to St Clair Railway Station.No development application for specific buildings has yet been lodged.
St Clair Oval 2 Community Facility
A new community facility is planned for St Clair Oval 2 within the St Clair Recreation Precinct, funded by a 2022 State Government election pledge of $1.5 million. Following extensive community consultation in 2024 and a precinct-wide planning process in 2025, revised concept plans were approved by City of Charles Sturt Council on 10 November 2025. The facility will serve Woodville High School, Adelaide Vipers Football Club, Woodville District Cricket Club and North West Junior Soccer Association, and will include flexible community space, dining and bar facilities.Construction funding has not yet been secured; a budget proposal is planned for the 2026/27 Annual Business Plan alongside external funding applications. A separate car park extension to the St Clair Recreation Centre is expected to commence April to June 2026.
Rosewater Loop Project
A community project developing a shared path for walking and riding, incorporating landscaping, community facilities, and public art. Key elements include the installation of water points, construction of gravel and sealed paths, and the addition of signage and artwork to enhance community pride and deter vandalism.
St Clair
A master-planned community being developed on the site of the former Cheltenham Racecourse. The development includes a variety of housing types, parks, wetlands, and a retail precinct, creating a new residential hub in Adelaide's west.
Babcock Facility Expansion
An expansion of Babcock Australasia's facility in Woodville North, involving the construction of a new warehouse assembly hall to support the upgrade of Australia's Defence High Frequency Communications System (JP9101) and future defence projects.
Traffic Safety Improvements - Russell Terrace, Woodville
Project to install new traffic control devices along Russell Terrace to slow traffic and improve safety, coinciding with upcoming road rehabilitation works.
Todville Street, Woodville West - Traffic Safety Improvements
Proposed project to install flat-top road humps and new parking controls to reduce driver speeds and improve road safety along Todville Street in Woodville West.
1,284 residents of Cheltenham (SA) are employed, from a labour force of 1,315. Unemployment sits at 2.4%, with participation at 66.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,962, about 86% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Cheltenham features a qualified resident workforce with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 2.4%, and an estimated job growth of 5.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data compiled from statistical areas. As of March 2026, there are 1,284 working residents, and the unemployment rate is 1.5% below the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%, while the labor force participation rate matches Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census data reveals that a low 9.5% of workers operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.
The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Conversely, the accommodation & food services sector is less represented locally at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 6.8%. The highly residential nature of the suburb appears to offer few local jobs, as highlighted by the comparison of the Census working population against the resident population. According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from broader statistical regions, the 12-month period recorded a 5.6% increase in employment alongside a 4.4% expansion of the labor force, causing the unemployment rate to drop by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide experienced a 4.2% rise in employment, a 4.0% increase in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in Cheltenham. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce profile to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these growth rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment distribution of Cheltenham suggests local employment will grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted projection for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Cheltenham (SA) is $1,534 a week (about $80,000 a year), with median personal income at $766 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,297 a year against an average of $60,425. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics released by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, Cheltenham taxpayers have a median income of $54,297 and an average income of $60,425. This sits below the national average and compares to a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 in Greater Adelaide. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $59,819 (median) and $66,570 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Cheltenham are modest, ranking between the 37th and 42nd percentiles.
Income distribution figures show that 32.1% of the population (733 residents) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, which is highly consistent with the wider region where this same group makes up 31.8%. After housing expenses, residents retain 85.7% of their income for other living costs, and the suburb ranks in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cheltenham (SA) had 924 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 81% detached houses and 1% apartments. 42% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 36% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $290 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,602 a month. Rent absorbs 18.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of housing in Cheltenham at the latest Census consisted of 81.1% separate houses and 18.9% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other housing types), compared to 75.2% separate houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metro area. Home ownership rates in Cheltenham were notably higher than the Adelaide metro average, standing at 36.1%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (42.3%) or rented (21.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the suburb was higher than the Adelaide metro average at $1,602, whereas the median weekly rent was $290, compared to $1,562 and $320 for Adelaide metro.
Looking nationally, mortgage payments in Cheltenham are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably below the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cheltenham (SA) counted 924 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent the majority of dwellings at 65.5%, which includes 27.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 11.5% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.5% of homes, consisting of lone-person households at 32.0% and group households at 2.5%. The median household occupancy of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.4% of adults in Cheltenham (SA) hold a university qualification, including 17.0% with a bachelor degree and 4.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 24.4% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment levels in Cheltenham are lower than regional averages, with 23.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference points to opportunities for future educational growth and professional training. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 33.4% of the population aged 15 and over possessing vocational certificates, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (24.4%). A significant 24.6% of the population is enrolled in formal education.
This includes 7.8% attending primary school, 6.3% in secondary school, and 5.7% studying at a tertiary level.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Cheltenham (SA) reaches 11 stops on 8 routes, timetabled for about 740 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An evaluation of public transport options shows 11 active transit stops in Cheltenham, featuring a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, which support a total of 743 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 193 meters from their nearest stop. Because Cheltenham is primarily residential, the majority of working residents travel out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel option at 84%, followed by trains at 8%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles.
A low 9.5% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules. Across all transit routes, service frequency averages 106 journeys per day, which translates to approximately 67 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.1% of residents in Cheltenham (SA) report no long-term health condition. 7.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators for Cheltenham align closely with national averages, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. Normal health issues are moderately distributed across both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 51% of the population (about 1,163 residents). Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent medical issues in the area, affecting 9.4% and 7.9% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 67.1% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health metrics among working-age residents are generally standard.
Seniors aged 65 and over make up 21.5% of the population (491 residents), which is higher than the 19.2% recorded in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes for this older demographic present certain difficulties, with national performance metrics generally mirroring those of the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cheltenham (SA) is largely Australian-born, at 79.6% of residents, with 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (25.0%) and Australian (22.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cheltenham displays higher cultural diversity than average, with 20.4% of its residents born outside of Australia and 16.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in the suburb, followed by 50.6% of the population. The most distinct variance from regional averages is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.4% of the local population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding family heritage (parents' birth countries), the three largest groups in Cheltenham are English at 25.0%, Australian at 22.7%, and Other at 8.9%. Furthermore, there are distinct differences in the concentration of other backgrounds: Russian ancestry is noticeably higher at 1.7% of the Cheltenham population (compared to 0.3% across the region), Polish stands at 1.5% (compared to 1.0%), and Croatian represents 1.5% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cheltenham (SA) is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 24.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents in Cheltenham is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the 55 - 64 age bracket is noticeably larger (16.1% locally), while the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller (11.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.8% to 5.7%, while the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 14.2% to 13.2%. Long-term population forecasts for 2041 suggest notable demographic shifts for Cheltenham.
The 75 to 84 age bracket is expected to grow substantially, increasing by 90 individuals (70%) from 130 to 221. Conversely, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to have very small growth of 9%, adding only 9 children.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cheltenham (SA)
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 24 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,236 at the 2021 Census → 2,286 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL40248). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.