Dover Gardens

Population growth drivers in Dover Gardens are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Dover Gardens is estimated at around 3,484 people. This reflects an increase of 422 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,062 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,285 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,484 persons per square kilometer, placing Dover Gardens in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 13.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.4%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Dover Gardens was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 94.0% 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 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for Dover Gardens, with the suburb expected to increase by 737 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Dover Gardens among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Dover Gardens averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 137 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $291,000. In FY-26, there have been approximately $1.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Dover Gardens has slightly more development (21.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values. New development consists of 52.0% detached houses and 48.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

This shows a considerable shift from the current housing mix (currently 68.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 90 people per dwelling approval, Dover Gardens exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dover Gardens is expected to grow by approximately 575 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Dover Gardens has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Key projects include Marion Cultural Centre Plaza Upgrade, Flagstaff Road Upgrade, Southern Suburbs Residential Policy Code Amendment, and River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project, with the following list detailing those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Dover Gardens maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Dover Gardens has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.9% in September 2025, similar to Greater Adelaide's rate. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%.

Of residents, 10.6% worked from home as of Census responses. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while manufacturing employed only 3.6%, below Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.2% and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dover Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Dover Gardens had a median taxpayer income of $51,976 and an average income of $61,697 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages; Greater Adelaide's median income was $54,808 with an average income of $66,852 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest Dover Gardens' median income would be approximately $56,550 and average income $67,126, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%. In Dover Gardens, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 30th and 34th percentiles in 2021 Census figures. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 32.8% of residents (1,142 people), slightly higher than the regional level of 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 26th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Dover Gardens displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Dover Gardens, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dover Gardens was 27.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented dwellings at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $339, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Dover Gardens' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.9% of all households, including 24.4% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Dover Gardens shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Dover Gardens residents aged 15+ with university qualifications (28.9%) exceed the South Australian average (25.7%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 22.1%.

Current educational participation is high, with 26.6% enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.7% in tertiary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Dover Gardens has 17 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 1,223 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 173 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (85%), while only 6% use trains and 5% take buses. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, just 10.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 174 trips per day, translating to approximately 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Dover Gardens is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Dover Gardens faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which numbers around 1,790 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.6% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 66.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 658 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Dover Gardens was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dover Gardens, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets. Overseas-born residents comprised 28.6%, while those speaking languages other than English at home constituted 20.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 37.8% of Dover Gardens' population adhering to it.

The category 'Other', however, showed a slight overrepresentation at 1.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%. Ancestry-wise, English (29.5%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (10.3%) were the top three groups in Dover Gardens. Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher than regional averages (4.8% vs 5.1%), as were French (0.6% vs 0.4%) and Korean (0.5% vs 0.3%).

Dover Gardens's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Dover Gardens has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Dover Gardens has an over-representation of the 25-34 age cohort at 16.6% and an under-representation of the 55-64 year-olds at 9.4%. Between 2021 and now, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 14.4% to 15.9%, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 11.0% to 9.4% and the 65 to 74 group decreased from 12.0% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Dover Gardens' age profile. The 45 to 54 cohort is expected to expand notably, increasing by 113 people (31%) from 369 to 483. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 3% (13 people).