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 AreaSearch analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Elizabeth East as of May 2026 is around 4,795. This reflects an increase of 188 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,607. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,759 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,949 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 68.0% 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for Elizabeth East, with the area expected to increase by 1,446 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 29.4% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Elizabeth East according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Elizabeth East averaged approximately 16 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 80 homes. In FY-26 so far, 25 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. The average construction value of new properties was $281,000.

This financial year has seen $942,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a primarily residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth East's building activity is 81.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium and high-density housing. As of around 326 people per dwelling approval, Elizabeth East exhibits characteristics of a low density area. By 2041, Elizabeth East is projected to grow by 1,410 residents.

If current development rates persist, 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 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that may affect this region. Notable ones are the WCH Foundation 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 likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Elizabeth East face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Elizabeth East has a balanced workforce with strong representation from manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 14.5% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,640 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 10.7% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 50.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 5.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade had an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 2.2% versus the regional average of 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and labour force increased by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

Elizabeth East's median taxpayer income in financial year 2023 was $35,480, with an average of $38,691 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. As of March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $39,088 (median) and $42,626 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Elizabeth East fall between the 1st and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 33.1% (1,587 individuals) earn between $400 - 799, differing from broader area patterns where earnings of $1,500 - 2,999 dominate at 31.8%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 44.1% of households operating on 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 structures, 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 $1,562. The median weekly rent was $225, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Elizabeth East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents 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% couples with children, 17.0% couples without children, and 21.5% 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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common type of university qualification held by residents at 6.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 36.1% holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (28.9%). Educational participation is high, with 32.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises 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 deemed good, with residents typically residing 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most Elizabeth East residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 90% of residents, while buses are used by 6%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 78 trips per day, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 42% of the total population (around 2,032 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 12.8% and 10.4% of residents respectively. However, 57.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (954 people), with senior health outcomes generally aligning with national rankings.

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, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 19.9% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 30.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Elizabeth East, comprising 33.2% of its population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's average, making up 10.4% of Elizabeth East's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.0%), Australian (25.1%), and Other (13.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Lebanese at 0.4%, German at 4.1%, and Vietnamese at 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 over-represented in Elizabeth East at 14.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.0%. Between 2021 and present day, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.3% 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 expand by 251 people (49%), growing from 513 to 765 individuals.