Ethelton

Ethelton is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Ethelton's population is estimated at around 1,529. This reflects an increase of 42 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,487. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,511 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,940 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Examining future trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for Ethelton (SA2), with an estimated increase of 108 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 9.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ethelton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Ethelton has received around 4 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 24 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents per year are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests demand exceeds supply, potentially driving price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $419,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $595,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Adelaide, where Ethelton has 63.0% less development activity per person. This scarcity of new properties can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Recent periods have seen increased development activity, though it remains below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 72.0% houses. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Ethelton has around 222 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to grow by 146 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened competition among buyers as the population increases.

Ethelton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to impact the area: Fletcher's Slip, Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct, Our Port, and Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program are key projects, with the following list detailing those most 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Ethelton recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Ethelton has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7%.

As of September 2025847 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.7% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Ethelton is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.0% employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 3.7%, while the labour force grew by 3.5%, causing a slight decrease in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 3.0% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. 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. Applying these projections to Ethelton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Ethelton has an income level below the national average, as per the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Ethelton is $52,156, with an average income of $61,620. These figures compare to those of Greater Adelaide, which are $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.8% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $56,746 (median) and $67,043 (average). According to census data, personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($787 weekly), while household income sits at the 23rd percentile. The largest income segment comprises 29.4% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (449 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area, where 31.8% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ethelton, with only 82.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Ethelton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Ethelton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.5% houses and 28.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's figures of 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ethelton was at 28.4%, aligning with the Adelaide metro level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ethelton was $1,500, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Ethelton was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Ethelton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ethelton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 59.3% of all households, including 20.5% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.7%, with lone person households at 38.4% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

Ethelton shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Ethelton trail national benchmarks, with 24.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.1%, while certificates make up 26.3%. A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in education, with 24.5% pursuing formal learning.

This includes 9.1% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 4.5% studying at the tertiary level.

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

Public transport analysis shows six active transport stops operating within Ethelton. These comprise a mix of train and bus services, with 21 individual routes providing a total of 2,227 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 318 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 371 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ethelton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ethelton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~785 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.7% of residents, and asthma affecting 9.1%. A total of 63.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.1% across Greater Adelaide. There are 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (292 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Ethelton records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ethelton's population, born in Australia, was 80.7%, with 92.9% being citizens and 88.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 40.0%. The 'Other' category comprised 1.2%, compared to 1.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (8.3%). Hungarian representation was notably higher at 0.4% in Ethelton versus 0.3% regionally, Russian at 0.5% vs 0.6%, and German at 5.1% vs 4.5%.

Ethelton's median age exceeds the national pattern

Ethelton's median age is 42, surpassing Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 15.3%, higher than Greater Adelaide, while the 15-24 cohort stands at 10.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.6% to 6.2%, and the 15 to 24 group increased from 9.3% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.7% to 11.5%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Ethelton's age profile. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 56% (53 people), reaching 148 from 94. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 71% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 and 15 to 24 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.