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

Elizabeth Vale's population was estimated at 4,585 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 254 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,331. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,541 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of six new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,841 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85% to recent population gains. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia's 2024 data with 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area.

Post-2032 and for areas not covered, SA State Government's 2023 projections based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, Elizabeth Vale is projected to increase by 1,613 persons, reflecting a 35.2% total increase over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Elizabeth Vale shows an average of approximately 5 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 27 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. This results in an estimated average of 7.8 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a significant outpacing of demand over supply. The average construction value of new properties is around $282,000.

Additionally, there have been approximately $11.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Elizabeth Vale has markedly lower building activity, recording 93.0% 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. The area's population density is around 649 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. By 2041, Elizabeth Vale is expected to grow by approximately 1,616 residents (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth. 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 (59.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

Elizabeth Vale has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include Playford Health Hub, Northern Adelaide Transport Study, Barrow Crescent Reserve Upgrade, and Salisbury Park Estate. Below is a list of the most relevant projects.

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 workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 19.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3%.

As of September 2025, 15.7% more residents were unemployed compared to Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 42.6%, compared to 66.4% in Greater Adelaide. Few residents work from home, with a low of 4.6%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 1.9 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 1.8% of employment compared to 7.3% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while the labour force grew by 1.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Elizabeth Vale's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% 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 Vale's median income among taxpayers was $44,547 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $48,850 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852 respectively. By September 2025, based on an 8.8% increase since financial year 2023, Elizabeth Vale's estimated median income would be approximately $48,467 and the average income around $53,149. Census data indicates that incomes in Elizabeth Vale fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 35.7% of residents (1,636 people) earn between $400 - $799 per week, differing from broader area trends where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.8%. With 47.7% earning under $800 weekly, income constraints significantly impact local spending patterns in Elizabeth Vale. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.8% houses and 41.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 78.2% houses and 21.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Elizabeth Vale was at 21.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 52.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $233, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Elizabeth Vale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 43.2%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, 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 them, including advanced diplomas (5.8%) and certificates (27.6%). Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.9% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing 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 considered good, with residents typically residing within 200 meters of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents commute outward from Elizabeth Vale. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 167 trips per day, 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 assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,126 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.2% and 10.7% of residents respectively. However, 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age population health is notably challenged by high chronic condition rates. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (875 people), with senior health outcomes generally aligning with national rankings.

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 predominant religion in Elizabeth Vale, making up 38.4% of people. Hinduism, however, is significantly overrepresented at 8.3%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.7%), Other (25.6%), and Australian (22.0%). Notably, Welsh (0.7%) and Australian Aboriginal (3.8%) groups are overrepresented in Elizabeth Vale compared to regional averages.

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 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (9.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 5-14 age group has increased from 14.2% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 9.6%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. By 2041, Elizabeth Vale is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 55%, increasing from 444 to 690 people.