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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
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS demographic releases alongside new addresses confirmed following the Census, the suburb of Ethelton recorded an estimated population of around 1,514 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 27 people (1.8%) compared to the 1,487 people documented at the 2021 Census. Such movement stems from an estimated resident population of 1,513 derived from the ABS ERP figures published in June 2025 together with 5 validated new addresses identified post-Census. With a resulting density of 2,911 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Ethelton places in the upper quartile across nationwide areas assessed by AreaSearch.
Inbound overseas migration formed the primary growth engine, accounting for roughly 69.0% of recent population additions, while natural increase and interstate movements also contributed positively. Population projections incorporate ABS and Geoscience Australia modeling published in 2024 (using 2022 as a base year) across individual SA2 zones. For unrepresented areas or timeframes extending past 2032, figures utilize 2023 SA State Government Regional/LGA age-cohort projections based on 2021 numbers, adjusted via a weighted aggregation technique from LGA down to SA2 boundaries. Anticipated demographic adjustments indicate future expansion tracking slightly under the median of statistical areas evaluated by AreaSearch, with the suburb of Ethelton projected to add 101 persons by 2041 under aggregated SA2 data, representing an overall increase of 6.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Analysis of ABS residential approval statistics compiled by AreaSearch indicates that Ethelton has averaged approximately 1 new dwelling approval per year, delivering an estimated total of 8 homes across the last 5 financial years. Within FY-25 to date, 6 approvals have been documented. With an average of only 0.9 new residents per year per approved residence between FY-21 and FY-25, new residential construction is matching or exceeding incoming demand, enhancing options for purchasers and facilitating higher-than-expected population growth, alongside an average building cost of $363,000 per dwelling. Furthermore, commercial approvals amounting to $595,000 this financial year point to subdued commercial construction.
Building activity on a per-capita basis in Ethelton is notably subdued, tracking 77.0% below the Greater Adelaide benchmark, although construction rates have picked up recently. This constrained building volume is also lower than the national average, reflecting an established urban footprint with possible planning constraints, which tends to underpin valuations and demand across existing dwellings. Recent approvals comprise 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium-to-high density formats like townhouses and apartments, providing entry-level price points well-suited to first-home purchasers, downsizers, and investors. This marks a shift from current local housing stock (72.0% standalone houses), pointing to scarce vacant land parcels, changing resident preferences, and demand for varied price tiers. The presence of roughly 378 people per dwelling approval further highlights the mature character of the market. According to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch, Ethelton is slated to gain 100 residents by 2041. Should current construction tempos persist, residential output might fall short of population requirements, potentially fueling purchaser competition and driving property price growth.
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 $3.97 billion. 7 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development 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
Infrastructure upgrades, major planning undertakings, and significant development works play a defining role in shaping local trends. AreaSearch has registered 1 specific initiative anticipated to influence the immediate surroundings. Key regional works include Fletcher's Slip, the Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest) and Large Retail Precinct, Our Port, and the Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program, with primary details outlined below.
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.
Port Civic Precinct Project
The City of Port Adelaide Enfield is redeveloping the Port Adelaide Civic Precinct into a modern cultural, community, and administrative destination. The master plan integrates flexible multi-purpose community spaces, public library facilities, council administrative offices, and upgrades surrounding the historic Town Hall. The design revitalises key civic spaces with strong environmentally sustainable principles to anchor local community activity.
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.
Our Port - Port Adelaide Urban Renewal
Renewal SA's multi-decade urban regeneration program revitalizing historic Port Adelaide into a thriving mixed-use waterfront precinct. The master plan delivers between 2,000 and 4,000 residential dwellings across key sub-precincts including Dock One, Port Approach, and McLaren Wharf. Major development stages encompass public promenades, heritage building restoration, waterfront apartments, townhouses, and new open community reserves.
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.
Customs House Precinct Revival
Adaptive reuse and revitalization of the historic Customs House precinct bounded by Commercial Road, Robe Street, Nile Street, and North Parade. The development encompasses function spaces, creative studios, art galleries, retail tenancies, and dining venues including an alfresco courtyard and microbrewery. Led by One SMG, the proposal integrates conserved heritage items into a connected mixed-use destination.
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.
839 residents of Ethelton are employed, from a labour force of 888. Unemployment sits at 5.5%, with participation at 68.4%. 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 1,091, about 72% 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
Ethelton features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and 7.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 839 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (68.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Manufacturing demonstrates an especially heavy presence, employing workers at 1.4 times the regional rate. Conversely, the professional & technical category is comparatively small, engaging only 5.0% of Ethelton's employed population versus 7.3% across Greater Adelaide. Comparisons between the Census working population and total resident numbers indicate that this predominantly residential precinct provides limited internal workplace opportunities. Based on AreaSearch aggregation of ABS and SALM figures, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw employment expand by 7.4% alongside a 4.1% increase in the labour force, which lowered the unemployment rate by 2.9 percentage points. Over the same timeframe across Greater Adelaide, jobs increased by 4.2%, the labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term workforce trajectory can be gauged from Jobs and Skills Australia national industry forecasts from Mar-26 mapped to Ethelton's local employment profile. Nationally, job numbers are projected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely by sector. Weighting these projections against Ethelton's specific industry distribution implies local employment gains of 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (serving as an illustrative extrapolation that excludes localised demographic modeling).
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
Aggregated ATO postcode data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates a median taxpayer income of $52,156 and an average of $61,620 in the suburb of Ethelton. These figures fall below nationwide levels as well as the Greater Adelaide median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Factoring in an Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $57,460 (median) and $67,887 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census records, individual weekly earnings place at the 46th percentile ($787 weekly), while household figures sit at the 23rd percentile.
The predominant earnings cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, capturing 29.4% of residents (445 people), which aligns with the 31.8% regional proportion. Mortgage and rental costs create notable pressure, leaving 82.7% of income uncommitted (ranking at the 22nd percentile), while the area sits in the 4th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
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
Census records show that residential property in Ethelton was distributed between 71.5% standalone houses and 28.6% other formats (including semi-detached units, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across greater Adelaide metro. Full outright home ownership in Ethelton trailed the metropolitan figure at 28.4%, while 39.9% of properties carried a mortgage and 31.6% were tenanted. The local median monthly mortgage payment was $1,500, sitting below the Adelaide metro median of $1,562, while median weekly rent was $300 versus $320 regionally. Relative to national figures, mortgage commitments in Ethelton sit well below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are markedly lower than the national benchmark 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
Family units account for 59.3% of local households, comprising 24.2% couples without children, 20.5% couples with children, and 13.6% single-parent arrangements. The remaining 40.7% consists of non-family living situations, led by single-person residences at 38.4% and shared group dwellings at 2.4%. Household size averages a median of 2.1 people, which is below the 2.5 average recorded across Greater Adelaide.
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
Educational attainment levels in Ethelton sit below broader national figures, with 24.0% of individuals aged 15+ holding a higher education degree compared to 30.4% across Australia, pointing to room for further upskilling. Bachelor degrees constitute 17.3% of attainment, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational training represents a strong component of the local profile, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of 10.1% with advanced diplomas and 26.3% with certificates. A significant proportion of residents, amounting to 24.5% of the population, are enrolled in structured study.
This cohort includes 9.1% attending primary school, 6.4% in secondary education, and 4.5% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Ethelton reaches 5 stops on 6 routes, timetabled for about 340 services a week. The typical home sits about 170 m from its nearest stop. 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
Public transit provisions across the suburb of Ethelton encompass 5 operating stops covering both bus and rail services. Across 6 dedicated routes, these facilities supply 339 weekly scheduled trips. Transit convenience is rated as excellent, with the typical resident residing 173 meters from the nearest stop. Reflecting its commuter residential profile, private vehicles serve as the main travel method for 82% of travelers, while 9% commute via train. Dwellings maintain an average of 1.1 vehicles, below metropolitan norms, and 10.9% of workers engaged in home-based work at the 2021 Census (which may reflect conditions during COVID-19).
Service intervals across all transit lines average 48 trips per day, which provides roughly 67 weekly departures for each individual 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
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality patterns and chronic ailment incidence indicate notable public health issues in Ethelton, with common medical conditions present across younger and older cohorts alike, alongside a comparatively low private health insurance uptake of roughly 51% of residents (~777 people). Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health concerns in the locality, recorded among 9.1% and 10.7% of residents respectively, whereas 63.6% reported no long-term medical conditions compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Chronic health issues are elevated across the working-age population. Furthermore, seniors aged 65 and over make up 20.0% of the community (302 people), exhibiting health outcomes and national rankings that track closely with the broader population.
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
Cultural and demographic background in Ethelton broadly mirrors broader regional norms, with Australian-born individuals making up 80.7% of the community, 92.9% holding citizenship, and 88.7% speaking solely English in their households. Christianity is the primary faith, accounting for 40.0% of residents. The Other religious category accounts for 1.2% locally, compared against 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Looking at parental lineage, the three leading ancestries recorded in Ethelton are English (29.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (8.3%). In addition, specific cultural groups show distinct local concentrations, with German ancestry at 5.1% (matching 5.1% regionally), Russian background representing 0.5% (versus 0.3%), and Hungarian lineage accounting for 0.4% of the population (compared to 0.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ethelton is 42. 24.4% 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
The age distribution in Ethelton closely aligns with Greater Adelaide, where the greatest difference across the four primary age groupings is merely 3.6 percentage points. As of August 2026, the estimated median age stands at 42, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 3 years above the Greater Adelaide median of 39 recorded at that Census. Within specific cohorts, residents aged 45 - 64 have decreased from 28.9% at the Census to an estimated 25.3%. Looking forward to 2041, retirees and seniors aged 65+ are slated to experience the strongest gain, expanding by 91 (30%) to reach 394 individuals, whereas younger adults, children, and young-to-middle-aged brackets are projected to decline.
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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 Aug 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 Aug 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.