Craigmore

An assessment of population growth drivers in Craigmore reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Craigmore is around 11,512, reflecting an increase of 569 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population estimate by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 was 11,397, with an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 2,359 persons per square kilometer for Craigmore, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending in June 2024, Craigmore has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 49.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Craigmore is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation, with an expected growth of 4,223 persons to reach a total population of approximately 15,735 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 37.9% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Craigmore recorded approximately 14 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 72 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 13.4 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $329,000. This financial year, Craigmore has recorded $10.1 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Craigmore has significantly less development activity, with 93.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Additionally, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location currently has approximately 1450 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Craigmore will gain 4,363 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Craigmore has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Playford Alive Urban Renewal Project, Angle Vale Residential Growth Area, Catherine McAuley School Upgrade, and Bentley Road Affordable Housing Development. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Craigmore has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Craigmore has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented with an unemployment rate of 5.4%. Over the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 1.3%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 5,716 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is on par with Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, a low 5.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 2.6% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.3% alongside labour force increasing by 1.4%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Craigmore. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Craigmore's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Craigmore's median income among taxpayers was $45,835 in financial year 2023, according to AreaSearch data from the ATO. The average income in Craigmore that year was $50,236. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. By September 2025, estimates suggest Craigmore's median income will be approximately $49,868 and the average will be around $54,657, accounting for a Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data indicates that incomes in Craigmore rank modestly, between the 25th and 36th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The largest income bracket in Craigmore comprises 4,247 residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, accounting for 36.9% of the suburb's population. This is similar to regional levels where 31.8% fall into this income bracket. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenditures in Craigmore.

Craigmore is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Craigmore's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.4% houses and 0.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craigmore stood at 26.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.8% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Craigmore was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Craigmore's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Craigmore features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.6% of all households, including 34.7% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.4%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 8.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 30.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.1% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

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

Craigmore has 44 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 348 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good in Craigmore, with residents typically living 241 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside the area, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 94%. The average number of vehicles per dwelling is 1.6, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 7 weekly trips per stop.

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

Craigmore faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of Craigmore's total population (~5,400 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 10.5% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 62.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Craigmore has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,934 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

In terms of cultural diversity, Craigmore records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Craigmore's population, born in Australia, was 78.8%, with 91.2% being citizens and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Craigmore at 39.8%. Islam was overrepresented at 1.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.0%.

Top ancestry groups were English (35.8%), Australian (28.1%) and Other (7.5%). Welsh, German, and Russian groups showed notable divergences: Welsh at 0.7% vs regional 0.6%, German at 4.7% vs 5.1%, and Russian at 0.4% vs 0.3%.

Craigmore's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Craigmore is 37 years, lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and close to the national average of 38. The 5-14 age cohort is over-represented at 13.7% locally compared to Greater Adelaide's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.7% to 9.0%, and the 0-4 cohort has decreased from 6.3% to 5.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Craigmore, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 51% (717 people), reaching 2,133 from 1,415.