Elizabeth East

Population growth drivers in Elizabeth East are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Elizabeth East statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,751 people. This figure reflects an increase of 144 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,607 people in the area. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,738 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,931 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Elizabeth East has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the state's average growth during this period. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 68% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 are adopted. These projections were released in August 2023 and based on 2021 data with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast for Elizabeth East. The area is expected to increase by 1,530 persons to reach a total population of 6,281 people by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 31.8% over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Elizabeth East recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Elizabeth East averaged around 16 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 83 homes. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 2.4 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand that should support property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $281,000.

There have also been $942,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East records markedly lower building activity, 80.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 326 people per dwelling approval, Elizabeth East shows characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Elizabeth East is expected to grow by 1,511 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Elizabeth East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Elizabeth Vale Family Health and Wellbeing Hub, Edinburgh Central Mixed Use Development, Blakes Crossing Master Planned Community, and Lionsgate Business Park. 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 conditions in Elizabeth East face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Elizabeth East has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, heavily represented in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 14.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year.

As of September 2025, there are 1,623 employed residents, while the unemployment rate is 10.3% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 43.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade has a significant employment share, 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 2.2% versus the regional average of 7.3%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally due to the residential nature of the area. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3%, labour force increased by 0.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% with a slight decrease in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elizabeth East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Elizabeth East's median taxpayer income was $35,480 and average was $38,691 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $38,602 and average will be $42,096. Census figures from 2021 indicate that incomes in Elizabeth East fall within the first two percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows 33.1% of residents earning between $400 - $799, compared to broader area patterns where earnings between $1,500 - $2,999 dominate at 31.8%. Financial pressure is evident with 44.1% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the third percentile nationally.

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

Elizabeth East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Adelaide metro had 83.7% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth East was at 21.0%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.1%) or rented (46.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,062, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $225, compared to Adelaide metro's $265. Nationally, Elizabeth East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.0% of all households, including 19.9% that are couples with children, 17.0% that are couples without children, and 21.5% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.0%, with lone person households at 36.1% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 8.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (28.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Elizabeth East has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 551 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 212 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 78 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Elizabeth East faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 42% of the total population (~2,013 people), compared to 47.5% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (12.8%) and arthritis (10.4%), while 57.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Greater Adelaide.

The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.8% (~940 people), compared to 13.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Elizabeth East's population was found to be diverse, with 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home as of the 2016 Census. Overseas-born residents made up 30.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 33.2% of the population.

Islam was notably overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's average, comprising 10.4% of Elizabeth East's population. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.0%), Australian (25.1%), and Other (13.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Lebanese residents made up 0.4%, German residents 4.1%, and Vietnamese residents 0.8%.

Elizabeth East's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Elizabeth East has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented in Elizabeth East at 14.1%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Elizabeth East's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 263 people (52%), increasing from 508 to 772.