Christie Downs

Christie Downs is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Christie Downs' population is estimated at around 5,627. This reflects an increase of 388 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,239. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,590 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,763 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Christie Downs' growth rate of 7.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (4.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Christie Downs is expected to increase by just below the median of national statistical areas, with an estimated increase of 536 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 4.6% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Christie Downs according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Christie Downs had approximately 17 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling about 85 homes. In FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per new home is around 1.3 over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $280,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers.

This year, Christie Downs has recorded $50.3 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide and nationally, Christie Downs records about 65% of the building activity per person, placing it among the 56th percentile of areas assessed. The area's development consists of 85.0% detached dwellings and 15.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. With around 281 people per dwelling approval, Christie Downs is showing signs of market growth.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 257 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Christie Downs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Two projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Noarlunga Residential Development (start date: July 2018), Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 - Aldinga Project (commencement: April 2020).

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Employment conditions in Christie Downs face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Christie Downs has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 16.4% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of June 2025, 1,914 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 12.4% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 42.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade employment levels are particularly notable, at 1.6 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employ just 3.2% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.1% alongside labour force increasing by 2.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Christie Downs' employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Christie Downs' median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $40,040, with an average of $43,879. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, based on a 12.83% increase since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,177 (median) and $49,509 (average). According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Christie Downs fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 32.6% of locals (1,834 people) earn between $400 and $799 weekly, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket is highest at 31.8%. A significant proportion, 44.8%, earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Christie Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Christie Downs' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.7% houses and 23.4% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Christie Downs stood at 23.8%, with mortgaged properties at 28.4% and rented ones at 47.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,148, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. The median weekly rent in Christie Downs was $250, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Christie Downs' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,148 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Christie Downs features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 57.5% of all households, including 17.8% couples with children, 19.6% couples without children, and 18.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.5%, with lone person households at 38.7% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Christie Downs faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (33.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (13.8%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (3.4%). Christie Downs has a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 1,263 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 926). The educational mix consists of 2 primary, 4 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. The area serves as an education hub with 22.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.6, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Christie Downs has 35 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 25 routes serving these stops, with a total of 1,828 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good access to transport, being typically located 215 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 261 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Christie Downs is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Christie Downs faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 44% of the total population (~2,499 people), compared to 48.6% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 13.9 and 11.4% of residents respectively.

However, 52.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.5%, with 1,266 people in this age group, compared to 21.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Christie Downs ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Christie Downs, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 83.6% Australian citizens, 79.0% born there, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 35.7%. The 'Other' religious category was slightly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.7%.

Top ancestral groups were English (34.6%), Australian (28.5%), and Scottish (5.9%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Polish (0.9%) were equally represented regionally, while German was slightly underrepresented at 4.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's 5.4%.

Christie Downs hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Christie Downs is 41 years, higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and slightly above the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 years make up 8.2% of the population, a figure notably higher than their counterparts in Greater Adelaide. Conversely, the 55-64 age group constitutes only 10.1%, lower compared to Greater Adelaide's percentage. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of those aged 75-84 has increased from 6.7% to 8.2%. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.2%, and the 55-64 age group has fallen from 11.2% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Christie Downs' age structure. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow significantly by 190 people, an increase of 109%, from 174 to 365 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting Christie Downs' aging demographic trend. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.