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 November 2025, Dover Gardens' population is estimated at around 3,287 people. This figure reflects an increase of 225 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,062. The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,253 residents following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024, combined with six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,287 persons per square kilometer, placing Dover Gardens in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 7.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.4%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, demographic trends project an above median population growth for national areas. Dover Gardens is expected to increase by 719 persons to reach 4,006 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 23.2% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Dover Gardens averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 129 homes. As of FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes were built at an average expected construction cost value of $291,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $870,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Dover Gardens has somewhat elevated construction activity, with 15.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

With around 120 people per dwelling approval, Dover Gardens exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Dover Gardens is projected to add 764 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Dover Gardens has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to 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.

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The employment landscape in Dover Gardens shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Dover Gardens has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of June 2025, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.1%. In June 2025, 1,712 residents were employed, with workforce participation matching Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while manufacturing employs only 3.6% of local workers, lower than Greater Adelaide's 7.0%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project that national employment will expand by 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Dover Gardens had a median taxpayer income of $51,976 and an average income of $61,697 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886 during the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,645 (median) and $69,613 (average). The 2021 Census figures show household, family, and personal incomes in Dover Gardens ranked modestly, between the 30th and 34th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 32.8% of residents (1,078 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability is severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 70.8% houses and 29.2% 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, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure was $339, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. 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 make up 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 2.4.

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

Dover Gardens has 28.9% of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications, slightly higher than the South Australian average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (22.1%).

Current educational participation is high at 26.6%, with 8.6% in primary education, 6.7% in tertiary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities may be located outside Dover Gardens, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis shows 17 active stops operating within Dover Gardens. These are served by buses on 17 different routes, offering a total of 1,217 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop.

Services run approximately 173 times daily across all routes, equating to about 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.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 1,689 people. The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.6% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point five percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. Eighteen point nine percent of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 621 people. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Dover Gardens was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dover Gardens, surveyed in June 2016, showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets. It had 28.6% overseas-born residents and 20.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 37.8%.

The 'Other' religious category was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide (1.7% vs 1.6%). Top ancestry groups were English (29.5%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (10.3%). Notably, German (4.8%) and French (0.6%) groups were overrepresented, while Korean was relatively underrepresented (0.5%) compared to regional averages.

Dover Gardens's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Dover Gardens has a median age of 38, closely aligning with Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and matching Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented in Dover Gardens at 16.8%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.4% to 15.5% of the population. During this period, the 55-64 age cohort has declined from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Dover Gardens' age profile. The 45-54 age group is expected to expand by 36%, growing from 351 to 480 people. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 8% (30 people).