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, the population of Dover Gardens statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 3,483 people. This reflects an increase of 421 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,062 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,285 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,483 persons per square kilometer, placing Dover Gardens (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 13.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA4 region at 7.3% and the state average, marking 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 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Dover Gardens (SA2) is expected to increase by 730 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 16.6% 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 shows Dover Gardens recorded around 27 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 137 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates approximately 2.2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand which supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is around $291,000.

In terms of commercial development, $1.8 million in approvals have been registered in the current financial year, suggesting minimal activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Dover Gardens has slightly more development, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new development consists of approximately 52.0% detached houses and 48.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options to cater to various price brackets.

The current housing mix in Dover Gardens is 68.0% houses, indicating a shift towards more affordable compact alternatives due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands. The location has approximately 90 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate Dover Gardens will add around 579 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Dover Gardens has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly influence a region's performance like alterations to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are anticipated to impact this area. Notable 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 most likely to be relevant.

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Employment performance in Dover Gardens has been broadly consistent with national averages

Dover Gardens has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%. This is in line with Greater Adelaide's unemployment rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Manufacturing has limited presence, with 3.6% employment compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, labour force grew by 3.6%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Dover Gardens' employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Dover Gardens has a median taxpayer income of $51,976 and an average income of $61,697 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Dover Gardens would be approximately $56,550 (median) and $67,126 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Dover Gardens all rank modestly, between the 30th and 34th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,142 residents), which mirrors the regional trend where 31.8% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Dover Gardens, with only 81.1% of income remaining, 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 per the latest Census, comprised 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 68.0% houses and 32.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dover Gardens was at 27.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 35.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent was recorded at $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 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 2.4.

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%) slightly exceed the South Australian average (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 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, 6.7% in tertiary, and 5.5% in 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 accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 173 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 174 trips per day, which equates 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~1,790 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.6% of residents) and mental health issues (9.0%). A total of 66.5% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. There are 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (658 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local markets. Overseas-born residents constituted 28.6%, while those speaking a language other than English at home comprised 20.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 37.8% of Dover Gardens' population.

The 'Other' religious category showed slight overrepresentation at 1.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.6%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (29.5%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (10.3%). Notable disparities existed for German (4.8% vs regional 5.0%), French (0.6% vs 0.4%), and Korean (0.5% vs 0.3%) ethnic groups.

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

Dover Gardens has a median age of 38, closely aligning with Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group is notably higher in Dover Gardens at 16.9%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 55-64 cohort is lower at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.4% to 15.4%, while the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Dover Gardens' age profile. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 31% (113 people), increasing from 369 to 483. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 3% (9 people).