Firle

Firle has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Firle statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 1,580 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 72 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,508 people in the Firle (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,533 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,548 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 during recent periods.

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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for national areas, with the Firle (SA2) expected to grow by 335 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 22.7% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Firle when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Firle averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 39 homes were approved, with another 3 so far in FY-26. This indicates an average of 2.9 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $505,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $606,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Firle has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 77th percentile nationally.

However, building activity has accelerated recently. New building activity comprises approximately 62.0% detached dwellings and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. With around 151 people per approval, Firle reflects a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Firle is forecasted to gain approximately 358 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Firle has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are expected in the area at present. No major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the region. Key initiatives include Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, Magill Campus Renewal Project, Felixstow Intergenerational Community project, and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety project.

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Firle has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Firle has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year.

As of this date, 867 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Firle was 65.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with notable concentration in the latter at 1.4 times the regional average. Manufacturing had limited presence with 4.5% employment compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced similar growth rates but maintained the same unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variations among industry sectors. Applying these projections to Firle's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Firle had a higher than average national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Firle was $51,256 and the average income stood at $70,707, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% would be approximately $55,767 for median income and $76,929 for average income in Firle. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Firle, between the 35th and 35th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spanned 30.9% of locals (488 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.8% similarly occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Firle displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Firle, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.2% houses and 34.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 51.7% houses and 48.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Firle was at 31.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 37.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Adelaide metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was $350, slightly higher than Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Firle's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 against the national figure of $375.

Firle features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.3% of all households, including 27.6% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 30.3% and group households making up 4.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

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

In Firle, educational attainment is notably high among residents aged 15 and above, with 40.7% holding university qualifications, surpassing the state average of 25.7% and the Greater Adelaide average of 28.9%. This advantage is largely driven by bachelor degrees (25.1%), postgraduate qualifications (12.4%), and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.1% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (15.5%). Educational participation is high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (8.7%), tertiary education (7.9%), and secondary education (5.4%).

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active stops operating in Firle, offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by 16 routes, collectively facilitating 867 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 131 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 123 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

Firle's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Firle. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~867 people), compared to 62.2% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 7.1% of residents respectively. Seventy-two point nine percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (271 people), which is lower than the 20.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Firle is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Firle has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.9% of its population born overseas and 42.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Firle, comprising 49.8% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which makes up 2.3% of Firle's population compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 1.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Firle are English (18.3%), Italian (15.6%), and Australian (15.4%). Notably, Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, Greek at 4.4% versus 2.9%, and Chinese at 11.1% compared to 6.3%.

Firle's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Firle has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, Firle has an over-representation of the 35-44 cohort (16.3% locally) and an under-representation of those aged 65-74 (7.9%). Between 2021 and now, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.0% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.9% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Firle's age profile will change significantly. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 61 people (24%), increasing from 257 to 319.