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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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Cowandilla has an estimated 1,536 residents, up from 1,455 at the 2021 Census — a change of 81 people, or 5.6%. Overseas migration accounts for 89.0% of that increase. That puts 2,898 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
Based on study of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address files validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Cowandilla is estimated to be approximately 1,536 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 81 people (5.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,455 people. The variation is calculated from the resident population of 1,530, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 1 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,898 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Cowandilla's 5.6% growth since census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the state (7.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to expand by 276 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 17.6% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluation of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area records, the suburb of Cowandilla has seen no dwelling approvals in recent years, with an estimated 4 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. With an average of 6.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $412,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.
Compared with Greater Adelaide, building activity in the suburb of Cowandilla is substantially lower, sitting at 92.0% below regional average per person. This restricted volume of new supply generally underpins firmer demand and values for established houses, although building work has increased recently. This level is also lower than national averages, indicating a mature market and suggesting potential development constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Cowandilla
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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 9 current infrastructure and development projects close to Cowandilla, worth an estimated $1.02 billion. 4 are already under construction. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, retail 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
Changes in local infrastructure, major developments, and planning schemes have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to influence this locality. Relevant major proposals include Southwark Grounds, North South Corridor, Henley Beach Road Visioning Project, and New Women's and Children's Hospital, with the subsequent list detailing the most significant ones.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Frank Norton Reserve Redevelopment
A major redevelopment project for the Frank Norton Reserve, set to begin in late January 2025. This project focuses on enhancing community recreation facilities and public spaces.
Henley Beach Road Visioning Project
City of West Torrens long-term main street renewal for an approximately 3 km corridor between Airport Road and the Bakewell Underpass. The Vision and five Guiding Principles were adopted by council and completed in January 2025. Implementation is now underway in phases: Stage 1 of the Thebarton Theatre upgrade is complete, Jervois Street has been upgraded with wider footpaths, a traffic and parking study is in progress, shopfront activation works are underway, and a pop-up piazza is being investigated.The vision targets a cosmopolitan, people-friendly boulevard celebrating cultural diversity, improved public transport, green space, and pedestrian access.
Thebarton Theatre Complex Redevelopment
An upgrade of the iconic State heritage-listed Thebarton Theatre Complex. The redevelopment aims to conserve its unique heritage values while enhancing its ongoing use as a working entertainment venue, including improved accessibility, new entry lobby, bathrooms, outdoor areas, and operational improvements. Construction is underway, with Stage 1 expected to complete by mid-late 2025, and the theatre set to reopen in October 2025.
Southwark Grounds
The $1 billion Southwark Grounds precinct is transforming the 8.4-hectare former West End Brewery site into a sustainable inner-city neighborhood. The masterplan includes 1,300 homes with a 20% affordable housing mandate, a supermarket, childcare centre, and aged care facility. The project features 'Brewery Green', a major civic space connecting the heritage-listed Walkerville Brew Tower to the River Torrens. Civil works and infrastructure delivery are active throughout 2026, with the first residential stage, Founder's Row, nearing completion and West Village townhouses currently in market.
Adelaide Crows Thebarton Oval Facility
Development of a new state-of-the-art training, administration, and community headquarters for the Adelaide Football Club at Thebarton Oval. The $100 million project includes a two-storey building with a caf', members lounge, function centre, and interactive museum, serving as a permanent match-day home for the AFLW team.
Thebarton Technology Hub
A master plan to develop and promote a bioscience and technology precinct within Thebarton. The initiative aims to attract new early-stage companies, improve the precinct's environment for existing employees, and enhance amenity and visual credibility.
Construction of Shared Path, Thebarton
Construction of a shared path in Thebarton, funded by a grant of $150,000.
Land Purchase for Shared Path, City of West Torrens
Land purchase to enable future shared path development within the City of West Torrens, supported by a grant of $290,000.
822 residents of Cowandilla are employed, from a labour force of 846. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 62.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,360, about 89% 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
The workforce of the suburb of Cowandilla is highly educated, with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 2.8%, and an estimated 7.0% increase in employment over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026822 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 1.0% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, while participation in the workforce is slightly low at 62.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census data reveals a low 9.3% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.
The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area exhibits a specific concentration in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, construction employs only 6.6% of local workers, falling below Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. The largely residential locality seems to provide few local jobs, as shown by the comparison of Census working population to resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 7.0% and labour force increased by 5.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment falling 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Cowandilla. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cowandilla's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Cowandilla is $1,310 a week (about $68,000 a year), with median personal income at $589 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $39,955 a year against an average of $47,661. 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 AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Cowandilla had a median income among taxpayers of $39,955 with the average level standing at $47,661. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $44,018 (median) and $52,508 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Cowandilla all fall between the 10th and 20th percentiles nationally.
Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 28.0% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (430 residents), reflecting patterns seen the broader area where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 18th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Cowandilla had 535 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 13% apartments. 30% are owned with a mortgage, 43% rented and 27% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month. Rent absorbs 22.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 30.5%. 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 the suburb of Cowandilla at the time of the last Census consisted of 76.3% separate houses and 23.7% alternative housing options like semi-detached properties, units, and other dwellings, compared to the Adelaide metropolitan breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% alternative dwellings. Owner-occupation rates in the suburb of Cowandilla lagged the metropolitan average, standing at 26.9%, with remaining residences being purchased with a mortgage (29.7%) or occupied by tenants (43.4%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was significantly above the Adelaide metro average at $1,733, whereas the median weekly rental cost was $300, compared to metropolitan averages of $1,562 and $320.
On a national scale, mortgage repayments in Cowandilla are below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are significantly lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Cowandilla counted 535 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 565 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 21% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 58.3%, consisting of 24.5% couples with children, 20.8% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. The remaining 41.7% are non-family households, with single person households accounting for 32.8% and group households making up 9.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
33.5% of adults in Cowandilla hold a university qualification, including 23.6% with a bachelor degree and 7.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 16.7% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 376 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,063 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The educational achievements in this area are prominent within the region, with tertiary qualification rates (33.5% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA average of 25.7% and the Greater Adelaide figure of 28.9%, showing a local commitment to tertiary study. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.6%, followed by postgraduate studies (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational training is also well represented, with 25.7% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (16.7%). Engagement in learning is remarkably strong, with 25.0% of the population currently enrolled in education.
This comprises 8.1% attending tertiary institutions, 6.6% in primary schools, and 3.6% in secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Cowandilla reaches 8 stops on 16 routes, timetabled for about 1,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 150 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.1 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
Public transport analysis reveals 8 active transport stops operating within Cowandilla comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 16 individual routes, collectively providing 1,049 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 13% by bus and 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 9.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).
Service frequency averages 149 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 131 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.3% of residents in Cowandilla report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 83% of areas nationally. 16.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 45.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics indicate notable difficulties in the suburb of Cowandilla, according to AreaSearch analysis of mortality and chronic illness rates. The area shows a significantly elevated prevalence of common medical issues, particularly among older residents, while private health insurance uptake is exceptionally low, covering roughly 46% of the population (~705 people). This contrasts with 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health challenges are the most frequently recorded conditions in the locality, affecting 9.6% and 8.2% of residents respectively, whereas 64.3% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.9% throughout Greater Adelaide.
Health metrics for working-age residents are generally standard. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 25.4% of the population (390 people), which is higher than the 19.2% average in Greater Adelaide. Health challenges exist among older residents, though these rank lower nationally than the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
37.4% of Cowandilla residents were born overseas and 36.2% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 80% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (19.0%) and Australian (18.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Cowandilla displays a high degree of multiculturalism, with 37.4% of residents born outside Australia and 36.2% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 47.7% of the community. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 3.4% of the population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in the suburb of Cowandilla are English at 19.0% of the population (substantially below the regional average of 27.8%), Australian at 18.9%, and Other at 13.8%.
Significant differences also appear in other backgrounds, with Greek ancestry notably high at 9.3% of Cowandilla (compared to 2.0% regionally), Italian at 5.3% (compared to 5.2%), and Dutch at 1.7% (compared to 1.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Cowandilla is 40. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 29.4% 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 40 years in the suburb of Cowandilla is close to the Greater Adelaide average of 39, and slightly older than the Australian average of 38 years. Residents aged 85 and over are highly represented at 8.2% compared to Greater Adelaide, while children aged 5 to 14 are less common at 6.2%. The concentration of residents aged 85 and over is substantially higher than the national average of 2.2%. Post-2021 Census statistics show the 25 to 34 age segment has increased from 16.2% to 17.7% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 8.5% to 9.7%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.4% to 9.9%.
Population projections for 2041 point to major demographic changes. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 54% (61 people), rising from 115 to 177. Combined cohorts aged 65 and over will make up 57% of total population growth, showing a clear aging trend. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group is projected to see minimal growth of just 6% (5 people).
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Cowandilla
9 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 9 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. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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 2 sections | ||
| 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 — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,455 at the 2021 Census → 1,536 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 (SAL40318). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.