Elizabeth East

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the suburb of Elizabeth East's estimated population is around 4,756 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,607. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,738 residents following examination of ABS ERP data (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,933 persons per square kilometer, above national averages. Over the past decade, Elizabeth East has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing state averages. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 68.0% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year, and for areas not covered, uses SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for Elizabeth East, with an expected growth of 1,526 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 31.5% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows 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. An average of 2.4 new residents per year was gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand that supports 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 possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Elizabeth East'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 1,500 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 26thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Elizabeth Vale Family Health and Wellbeing Hub, Edinburgh Central Mixed Use Development, Blakes Crossing Master Planned Community, and Lionsgate Business Park. The following details projects likely 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 representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly present. The unemployment rate is 14.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of September 2025, there are 1,628 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 10.4%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Elizabeth East is lower at 50.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 5.7% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area has a specialization in retail trade with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% while labour force increased by 0.2%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment to expand by 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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. This is lower than national averages of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, median income would be approximately $38,602 and average $42,096. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Elizabeth East fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Incomes between $400 - 799 account for 33.1% of individuals (1,574), differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates at 31.8%. Financial pressure is evident with 44.1% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining, 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 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth East stood at 21.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.1% and rented ones at 46.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,062, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Elizabeth East was $225, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Elizabeth East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,062 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 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. This includes 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 area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents usually located about 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 90%, while buses account for 6%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, which could be due to COVID-19 conditions. Bus services operate an average of 78 trips daily across all routes, resulting in 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across a range of health conditions that affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 42% of the total population (~2,015 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 12.8 and 10.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 57.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (946 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 Elizabeth East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Elizabeth East was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 19.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.1% born overseas. The predominant religion in Elizabeth East is Christianity, which accounts for 33.2% of the population. Notably, Islam is overrepresented, making up 10.4% of the population compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 32.0%, Australian at 25.1%, and Other at 13.7%. There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Lebanese is overrepresented at 0.4% (compared to 0.3% regionally), German at 4.1% (compared to 5.1%), and Vietnamese at 0.8% (compared to 1.2%).

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 national median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, individuals aged 5-14 are over-represented in Elizabeth East at 14.0%, 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 14.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.8% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Elizabeth East's age profile, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 264 people (53%), reaching a total of 769 individuals from its current figure of 504.