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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Ethelton has an estimated 1,514 residents, up from 1,487 at the 2021 Census — a change of 27 people, or 1.8%. That puts 2,912 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of ABS population figures for the surrounding region combined with new address validations by AreaSearch since the Census indicates the suburb of Ethelton has a population of approximately 1,514 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 27 individuals (1.8%) from the 1,487 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is based on a resident population estimate of 1,513 by AreaSearch, derived from the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 5 validated new addresses added since the Census. Ethelton's population density stands at 2,911 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Ethelton in the upper quartile of Australian areas evaluated by AreaSearch.
Recent population growth was heavily supported by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 69.0% of total gains, though all sources including interstate migration and natural growth contributed positively. Projections for the suburb of Ethelton utilize the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia data based on the 2022 year. For areas missing from this dataset and for periods after 2032, regional projections by age released in 2023 by the SA State Government using 2021 statistics are utilized, adjusted via a weighted aggregation from local government to SA2 boundaries. Demographic trends suggest population gains just under the national median, with the suburb of Ethelton projected to grow by 98 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 6.4% over 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals show that Ethelton averages approximately 3 residential approvals annually, with a total of 15 dwellings approved during the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 6 approvals have been documented. Since only about 0.8 new residents arrived per completed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, residential supply is meeting or exceeding local demand, expanding choices for buyers and supporting population expansion beyond current forecasts. Approved homes average a value of $419,000, pointing to developer interest in high-end projects. Commercial approvals for the current financial year stand at $595,000, showing very quiet commercial development.
Compared against the broader Greater Adelaide region, residential construction in Ethelton is extremely low, sitting 76.0% below the metropolitan average per capita. Such limited additions to supply generally support demand and prices for established housing. This rate also falls below the national average, reflecting a mature suburb with possible planning constraints. Recent approvals consist of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% semi-detached or attached housing options. The preference for higher density provides more affordable properties and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers, representing a clear shift from the current mix of 72.0% houses. This transition points to a scarcity of vacant land and aligns with changing lifestyle choices and budget constraints. Having approximately 1512 people per approved dwelling demonstrates that Ethelton is a highly established residential market. Long-term forecasts indicate Ethelton will add 97 residents by 2041 according to recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Residential development is tracking projected growth reasonably well, though buyers could see increased competition as the population rises.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ethelton
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 23 current infrastructure and development projects close to Ethelton, worth an estimated $1.17 billion. 7 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, public works, and planning updates have a major influence on suburb performance. AreaSearch has identified exactly 1 development project expected to impact the local area. Relevant projects include Fletcher's Slip, Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest) and Large Retail Precinct, Our Port, and the Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program, with key details provided below for those of highest relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest) and Large Retail Precinct
This significant redevelopment by One SMG (Neville Smith Group) features a second $35 million Quest Hotel apartment complex at 10-12 North Parade, providing 88-90 serviced guest suites with river views, gym, and conference facilities. Complementing the hotel is a large-format retail and commercial hub at 271 Commercial Road, spanning approximately 5,860 sqm. The precinct focuses on urban renewal, adaptive reuse of heritage elements like Customs House, and improved pedestrian connectivity to the Port River waterfront.Construction on the retail component is scheduled to commence around late 2025/early 2026 following development approval in August 2025.
Dock One
Major waterfront masterplanned community at Port Adelaide by Kite Projects, incorporating Dock One stages and Dock One North. The precinct includes about 750 townhouses and apartments, landscaped waterfront promenades, park links, 23,500 sqm of green open space, a completed pedestrian bridge, a community plaza and the adaptive reuse of the former Marine and Harbours Building as a boutique hotel. Current official updates indicate Dock One North is now selling, construction is underway on the residential stages, the bridge and plaza are complete, and demolition works have commenced for the hotel component.
West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release
Renewal SA's West Lakes Shore residential land release is in its final delivery stages, creating around 120 waterfront residential allotments with new public open space, landscaped reserves and upgraded local infrastructure. Civil works and home construction continue across the remaining stages.
West Lakes Marina Upgrade
Concept to upgrade lakeside berthing and public access infrastructure around the Aquatic Reserve at West Lakes, including additional small-craft berths, amenity upgrades to the boat launch area used by paddle sports, and foreshore improvements. No authoritative government project page found; enquiries directed to City of Charles Sturt as asset manager for West Lakes recreation facilities.
West Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade
Major upgrade to West Lakes Sports Complex including new playing fields, clubhouse facilities, and spectator amenities.
Novo West Lakes Stage 2
Novo West Lakes is a master-planned community situated on the former SA Water wastewater treatment site. Developed by Potentia, the project delivers up to 500 residential properties including townhouses, houses, and land lots, alongside around 3 hectares of public open spaces and a proposed retail precinct on Frederick Road. Earthworks and civil works for Stage 2 (Parkside) are underway, and the overall completion is estimated for mid-2027.
Our Port
Port Adelaide will be a place of discovery, energy, culture and diversity - an eclectic, vibrant reflection of the South Australian character more broadly. The project is a renewal effort to rejuvenate Port Adelaide, aiming to create a vibrant, diverse area with 2,000-4,000 homes and 4,000-8,000 people.
West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan and Footpath Upgrade
The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport is progressing the West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan to identify staged improvements for safety, traffic operations, pedestrian and cycling access along the corridor. Separate funded footpath upgrade works are scheduled during 2026, while broader road upgrades remain subject to future funding.
829 residents of Ethelton are employed, from a labour force of 875. Unemployment sits at 5.3%, with participation at 68.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,098, about 73% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is highly skilled with strong representation in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 5.3% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 6.8% according to statistical area data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026829 local residents were employed. The unemployment rate is 1.4% higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.8%, while participation in the labour force is close to the metropolitan rate of 66.6%. Census data indicates a low 10.9% of the workforce worked from home, though this period was influenced by pandemic lockdowns. The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
The suburb shows a clear concentration in manufacturing jobs, with a share that is 1.4 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, professional & technical services have a minor footprint, employing 5.0% of working residents compared to 7.3% across the region. Comparison of the Census working population against resident workers suggests local employment opportunities within the immediate area are limited. Based on AreaSearch research using SALM and ABS statistics for the year ending March 2026, local employment grew by 6.8% and the workforce expanded by 3.9%, which helped lower the unemployment rate by 2.6 percentage points. Across Greater Adelaide, employment rose by 4.2% and the labour force grew by 4.0%, while unemployment dropped by 0.2 percentage points. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 give context on future employment demand in Ethelton. These projections for five and ten years are mapped to local industries to project future trends. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests employment among residents will rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, using a basic weighted extrapolation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ethelton is $1,345 a week (about $70,000 a year), with median personal income at $787 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,156 a year against an average of $61,620. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 tax year, taxpayers in Ethelton recorded a median income of $52,156 and an average income of $61,620. These figures are below national averages and trail the Greater Adelaide median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $57,460 for median income and $67,887 for average income. In the 2021 Census, individual weekly income sat at the 46th percentile ($787 weekly), and household income was at the 23rd percentile.
The weekly income band of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 29.4% of residents (445 people), which is close to the metropolitan distribution of 31.8%. Housing cost pressures are high, leaving just 82.7% of household income after housing costs, placing the area in the 22nd percentile, while the SEIFA index for income ranks in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ethelton had 670 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 72% detached houses and 7% apartments. 40% are owned with a mortgage, 32% rented and 28% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,500 a month. Rent absorbs 22.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The dwelling landscape in Ethelton at the time of the latest Census consisted of 71.5% standalone houses and 28.6% other housing types, including apartments and townhouses, compared to the Adelaide metropolitan breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other properties. Home ownership rates in Ethelton trailed the metropolitan benchmark at 28.4%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (39.9%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was below the metropolitan norm at $1,500, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Adelaide metro averages of $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Ethelton's housing costs are low, with mortgage payments well below the Australian median of $1,863 and rents substantially lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ethelton counted 670 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 21% are couples with children, fewer than in 85% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 38% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 59.3%, consisting of couples with children at 20.5%, couples without children at 24.2%, and single parents at 13.6%. Non-family households represent the remaining 40.7%, with single person homes at 38.4% and group shared houses making up 2.4%. The median household size of 2.1 persons is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.0% of adults in Ethelton hold a university qualification, including 17.3% with a bachelor degree and 4.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 76% of areas nationally. A further 26.3% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The proportion of residents with tertiary qualifications in Ethelton is below regional averages, as 24.0% of individuals aged 15+ have completed university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally. This indicates opportunities to improve local education levels and skills. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational training is common, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificate level credentials (26.3%). A significant portion of the population is enrolled in study, with 24.5% attending educational institutions.
This comprises 9.1% of residents in primary schools, 6.4% in high schools, and 4.5% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Ethelton reaches 5 stops on 21 routes, timetabled for about 2,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. Trains carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of local public transport shows 5 active stops within Ethelton, incorporating both rail and bus options. These stops are connected to 21 distinct routes that provide 2,227 weekly passenger services. Access is strong, with residents living an average of 171 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles are the main transport mode at 82%, with 9% using trains. Household car ownership averages 1.1 vehicles per home, which is below the metropolitan average. A lower share of 10.9% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.
Weekly services average 318 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 445 weekly connections per transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.6% of residents in Ethelton report no long-term health condition. 5.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Ethelton has notable health needs based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic disease rates, with chronic illnesses visible across both younger and older cohorts, and private medical insurance levels are low at approximately 51% of residents (~777 people). Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common medical diagnoses, affecting 10.7 and 9.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 63.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Chronic health issues are elevated among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and older make up 20.0% of the population (302 people), and health outcomes in this older demographic show challenges that align with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Ethelton is largely Australian-born, at 80.7% of residents, with 11.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (29.2%) and Australian (25.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Ethelton matches the broader metropolitan area for cultural diversity, with 80.7% of residents born in Australia, 92.9% holding citizenship, and 88.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 40.0% of the local population. The most visible difference is in the Other religious category, which represents 1.2% of the population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding parental country of birth, the main ancestries represented are English at 29.2%, Australian at 25.2%, and Irish at 8.3%. Some ethnic origins show minor variations from regional averages, with Hungarian background at 0.4% of the population (compared to 0.3% regionally), Russian at 0.5% (compared to 0.3%), and German heritage at 5.1% (compared to 5.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ethelton is 42. 23.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Having a median age of 42, Ethelton is slightly older than Greater Adelaide at 39 and sits above the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is strongly represented at 14.8% of the population, whereas the 15 - 24 age bracket is smaller at 10.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.6% to 6.6%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has grown from 12.1% to 13.3%. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.7% to 11.0%, and residents aged 85 and over decreased from 2.0% to 0.9%.
Demographic models project that Ethelton's age distribution will adjust by 2041. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 47% (47 people), rising from 99 to 147. This aging trend is clear, with residents aged 65 and older making up 77% of all projected population growth, while the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ethelton
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,487 at the 2021 Census → 1,514 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL40415). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.