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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Ethelton is estimated at around 1,530. This reflects an increase of 43 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,487 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,511, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,942 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 that contributed 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 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for 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 employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation. The suburb of Ethelton is expected to increase by 107 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.7% in total 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ethelton, approximately 4 dwellings received development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 24 homes. In FY-26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new homes was $419,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, $595,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Ethelton has significantly less development activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Recent periods show an increase in development activity. 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 suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 222 people per dwelling approval, Ethelton is considered a low density area. Future projections estimate Ethelton will add 149 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Ethelton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Fletcher's Slip. Key projects include Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct Our Port, and Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program.

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

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

Ethelton has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.6%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 3.4% over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025844 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.7% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

The workforce participation rate is 70.6%, comparable to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census responses indicate that a low 10.9% of residents work from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels 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 predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.4% alongside labour force growth of 3.4%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Ethelton. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ethelton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes that does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Ethelton's income level is below the national average according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $52,156 and the average income stood at $61,620. This compares to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,746 (median) and $67,043 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($787 weekly), while household income sits at the 23rd percentile. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 29.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (449 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Ethelton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than 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). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ethelton was at 28.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (31.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ethelton was $1,500, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Ethelton was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. 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 account for 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%, consisting of 38.4% lone person households and 2.4% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

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

This includes 9.1% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 4.5% engaged in tertiary education.

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

Ethelton has five active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 21 different routes, collectively facilitating 2,227 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 171 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 82%, while trains account for 9%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 318 trips daily, equating to roughly 445 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~785 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.7 and 9.1% of residents respectively. However, 63.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (302 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, with 80.7% born in Australia, 92.9% being citizens, and 88.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 40.0% of Ethelton's population. The notable overrepresentation is seen in 'Other', comprising 1.2%, compared to 1.8% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Irish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups show distinct representation: Hungarian at 0.4% (vs regional 0.3%), Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%), and German at 5.1% (vs 5.1%).

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 comprises 15.1%, higher than Greater Adelaide, while the 15-24 cohort stands at 10.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.6% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 group declined from 13.7% to 11.0%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in Ethelton's age profile. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 55% (54 people), reaching 152 from 97. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 65% of the population growth, while the 55 to 64 and 35 to 44 cohorts anticipate declines in population.