Elizabeth Vale

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Elizabeth Vale is approximately 4,599. This figure represents an increase of 268 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,331. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of six new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,847 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Elizabeth Vale has shown resilient growth patterns with an annual compound growth rate of 1.3%, surpassing state averages. The primary driver of population growth in recent periods has been overseas migration, contributing approximately 85.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch's projections for Elizabeth Vale are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projected demographic shifts, Elizabeth Vale is forecasted to experience significant population growth, increasing by 1,517 persons to reach approximately 6,116 inhabitants by the year 2041. This projection reflects an overall increase of 32.6% in total over the 16-year period.

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

Elizabeth Vale has averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totaling an estimated 24 homes. In the current financial year, FY-26, there have been 12 recorded approvals. On average, around nine people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $282,000.

This financial year has seen $11.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth Vale records markedly lower building activity, with 94.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, though construction activity has intensified recently. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

Elizabeth Vale shows a mature, established area with around 751 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Elizabeth Vale 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 Vale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the area. Notable ones are Playford Health Hub, Northern Adelaide Transport Study, Barrow Crescent Reserve Upgrade, and Salisbury Park Estate. The following details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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

Elizabeth Vale has a balanced mix of white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 20.0% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 1.6%. As of December 2025, 1,186 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 16.2%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 3.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 41.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 4.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.9 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment was limited at 1.8%, compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 1.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2%, labour force grow by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elizabeth Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% 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 Vale's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $44,547. The average income stood at $48,850 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Adelaide's median and average incomes were $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates project Elizabeth Vale's median income to be approximately $49,077 and the average income to be around $53,818, based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Elizabeth Vale all fall within the 0th to 2nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that the $400 - $799 bracket dominates with 35.7% of residents (1,641 people), unlike the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.8%. With 47.7% earning under $800 per week, Elizabeth Vale faces significant income constraints influencing local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe in the suburb, with only 78.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking it at the 2nd percentile nationally.

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

Elizabeth Vale's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.8% houses and 41.3% 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 Vale stood at 21.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 52.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in the area was $233, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Elizabeth Vale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 56.8% of all households, including 21.1% couples with children, 15.6% couples without children, and 18.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 43.2%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households at 4.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 7.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 5.8% and certificates at 27.6%. Educational participation is high, with 33.0% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.9% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

Elizabeth Vale has 31 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 1,170 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located within 200 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 90%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.6% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 167 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

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

Elizabeth Vale faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions affects both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,132 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues, affecting 11.2% of residents, and arthritis, impacting 10.7%. However, 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (887 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Elizabeth Vale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Elizabeth Vale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 33.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Elizabeth Vale, comprising 38.4% of people. Hinduism is overrepresented in Elizabeth Vale, making up 8.3% of the population compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 26.7%, Other at 25.6% (substantially higher than the regional average of 9.7%), and Australian at 22.0%. Notably, Welsh is overrepresented at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 3.8% compared to 1.2%, and Serbian is underrepresented at 0.3% compared to 0.4%.

Elizabeth Vale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Elizabeth Vale is 36 years, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth Vale has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 11.9% to 13.3%, while the 5-14 age group has risen from 14.2% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 9.6%, and the 45-54 age group has fallen from 10.7% to 9.6%. By the year 2041, Elizabeth Vale's population is projected to experience significant changes in its age distribution, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 72%, reaching 537 people from a previous count of 312.