Elizabeth East

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of Elizabeth East is estimated at around 4,754 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 147 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,607 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,741 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,932 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Elizabeth East has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the state. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the South Australian State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast for Elizabeth East, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,529 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Elizabeth East averaged around 21 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 107 homes. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $281,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

This financial year, there have been $242,000 in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East records markedly lower building activity, with 75.0% below the regional average per person, generally supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. New development consists of 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Elizabeth East reflects a low density area with around 255 people per approval.

Future projections show Elizabeth East adding 1,507 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth if current development rates do not keep pace with population growth.

Elizabeth East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may impact this area. Key projects 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 14.0% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of June 2025, 1,651 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Adelaide's at 10.0%. 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 is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented, at 2.2% versus Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 0.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% and a marginal rise in labour force growth. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 2022. This is lower than national averages. Greater Adelaide had a median income of $52,592 and average of $64,886 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $40,032 (median) and $43,655 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to 2021 Census figures, Elizabeth East's household, family, and personal incomes fell between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 33.1% of locals (1,573 people) earned between $400 - $799 weekly, differing from surrounding regions where earnings predominantly fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range at 31.8%. Economic pressures were evident with 44.1% of households operating on modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability was severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd 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). This compares to Adelaide metro's 83.7% houses and 16.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth East was at 21.0%, similar to Adelaide metro. Mortgaged dwellings were 32.1%, with rented dwellings making up 46.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,062, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Elizabeth East was $225, compared to Adelaide metro's $265. Nationally, Elizabeth East's mortgage repayments are lower at $1,062 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Elizabeth East are also 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 compose 60.0% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 21.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common (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 at 7.2% and certificates at 28.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education. The area has educational provisions such as Elizabeth East Primary School and Pinnacle College - Elizabeth East Campus, serving a total of 1,135 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962) with balanced educational opportunities. It has one primary and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 23.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.0, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 23 operational public transport stops in Elizabeth East. These stops offer bus services via 12 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 549 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally situated 212 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 78 daily trips across all routes, translating 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. Only approximately 42% (~2014 people) have private health cover, compared to 47.2% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.8 and 10.4% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 57.9% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.8% (941 people), compared to 13.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

Elizabeth East 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

Elizabeth East's population was found to be diverse, with 19.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.1% born overseas. The predominant religion in Elizabeth East was Christianity, comprising 33.2% of its population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented, making up 10.4%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 4.0%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English at 32.0%, Australian at 25.1%, and Other at 13.7%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Lebanese was overrepresented at 0.4% in Elizabeth East compared to 0.1% regionally, German at 4.1% vs 4.4%, and Vietnamese at 0.8% vs 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, individuals aged 5-14 are over-represented in Elizabeth East at 14.1%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.9%. Between 2021 and present, the age group of 35 to 44 has increased from 12.9% to 14.0% of the population. Conversely, the age group of 45 to 54 has decreased from 11.8% to 10.7%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Elizabeth East's age profile by 2041. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 262 people (52%) from 508 to 771.