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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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Firle has an estimated 1,644 residents, up from 1,508 at the 2021 Census — a change of 136 people, or 9.0%. Growth has averaged 1.4% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 100.0% of that increase. That puts 2,652 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 evaluations of ABS demographics data for the wider region, combined with new address validations performed by AreaSearch after the Census, the suburb of Firle has an estimated resident count of 1,644 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 136 people (9.0%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 1,508 people. The estimate is derived from a resident baseline of 1,632, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 26 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level translates to a density of 2,651 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Firle in the highest quartile among domestic locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
The 9.0% expansion recorded in the suburb of Firle since the 2021 census was greater than the state average (7.5%) and the Greater Adelaide region, making it a regional growth leader. Population increases were heavily supported by international migration, which acted as almost the exclusive driver of demographic gains in recent times. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this coverage, and for timeframes beyond 2032, LGA and regional projections by age bracket published by the SA State Government in 2023 (based on 2021 records) are integrated using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 divisions. Looking at future demographic trends, the suburb of Firle is projected to experience population growth above the national median, with numbers expected to climb by 311 persons by 2041 under aggregated SA2-level modeling, representing an overall rise of 18.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
58 new dwellings have been approved in Firle over the past five years, an average of 11 a year. That places the area in the 59th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals compiled from regional data shows that Firle averages about 11 residential approvals annually, with approximately 58 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 12 approvals registered so far in FY-26. A ratio of 1.9 individuals relocating to the area for every completed home over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) suggests a healthy equilibrium between housing supply and demand, fostering stable market conditions. New residential construction carries an average expected cost of $505,000, showing that developers are targeting the upscale market with high-end properties.
Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $606,000 have been logged this financial year, showing very limited commercial building activity. Firle shows a slightly higher rate of construction activity compared to Greater Adelaide, running at 13.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which helps preserve buyer choice while underpinning established home values. Recent building approvals consist of 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% multi-dwelling units or townhouses, with the rising share of townhouses and apartments offering diverse choices at different price levels, ranging from traditional family residences to more economical compact spaces. The suburb has a ratio of about 90 people for each approved dwelling, signaling a growing market. Long-term projections indicate that Firle is on track to add 299 residents by 2041, measured from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates seem closely aligned with future requirements, encouraging stable market trends without causing severe upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Firle
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects close to Firle, worth an estimated $270 million. 5 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, education & training and residential development. 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, planning choices, and major works play a significant role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified no projects likely to influence this location. Notable projects in the broader region include the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, the Magill Campus Renewal Project, the Felixstow Intergenerational Community, and the O-Bahn City Access Project, with details of the most relevant initiatives listed below.
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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
Norwood Green
A $120 million master-planned mixed-use community at 100 Magill Road, Norwood, built on the former Caroma factory site. The precinct comprises 111 apartments across five seven-storey buildings and 33 townhouses, arranged around a communal village green. Ground-floor retail includes an ALDI supermarket, East End Cellars, cafes and specialty tenants. Designed by Tectvs architects and jointly developed by Buildtec Group and Catcorp. Final stage apartments are now available, with earlier stages completed and occupied.
Hamilton Hill (former Magill Youth Training Centre, Woodforde)
Masterplanned community by Kite Projects on the former Magill Youth Training Centre site in Woodforde, delivering around 440 homes across house allotments, townhouses and apartments. All townhouses, apartments and house and land packages are now sold. The final stage, St Andrews, comprises 53 architecturally designed one and two bedroom apartments on the northern edge of the site opposite the six hectare Lewis Yarlupurka O'Brien Reserve; construction has commenced with Build Society appointed as builder. The development includes a landscaped reserve with an amphitheatre, native creeks and walking and cycling trails connecting to the adjacent Morialta Conservation Park.
Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre Redevelopment
The $60 million redevelopment of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre into a state-of-the-art aquatic facility. It includes a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool, two indoor pools (learn to swim pool and 25m pool), a 14m high water slide, outdoor splash play area, new change rooms, a multi-purpose meeting room, and kiosk. Expected completion early 2026.
Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade
A multi-stage project involving the installation of new stormwater drainage infrastructure across St Morris, Trinity Gardens, Maylands, and Stepney. Designed to reduce flood risk, increase capacity for 1-in-100-year storm events, and utilise Council reserves for temporary stormwater detention. Stages 2 and 3 completed May 2024. Stages 1 and 4 are scheduled for 2025.
East Marden Primary School Major Upgrades
East Marden Primary School is undergoing a facility upgrade, including a new administration building with reception/foyer, leadership offices, meeting rooms, staff preparation space, a staff room, and unisex staff and student amenities. Additionally, two new buildings will comprise general learning areas, withdrawal areas, teacher preparation space, and unisex student amenities. The project also involves the demolition of ageing infrastructure. Project budget is $8.91 million.
889 residents of Firle are employed, from a labour force of 931. Unemployment sits at 4.5%, with participation at 67.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,864, about 113% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. 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 labor pool in Firle is highly qualified, with strong representation from key service industries, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and a yearly increase in employment estimated at 5.1% using AreaSearch statistical area aggregations. In March 2026, there were 889 employed locals, while the jobless rate stood at 0.7% higher than the Greater Adelaide level of 3.8%. The labor participation rate matches the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 66.6% closely. Census records show that only 11.8% of employed residents worked from home, though this figure may be colored by Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Educational services show a major concentration, employing residents at 1.4 times the regional average rate. Conversely, the manufacturing sector accounts for only 4.5% of local jobs, which is lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 7.0%. A ratio of 0.8 workers per resident at the time of the Census points to a strong availability of local jobs. Based on AreaSearch processing of SALM and ABS data from the surrounding statistical regions, the past 12 months saw local employment grow by 5.1% while the labor force expanded by 4.7%, leading to a decrease of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Adelaide experienced a 4.2% rise in employment and a 4.0% increase in the labor force, with its unemployment rate dropping by 0.2 percentage points. Forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective local demand in Firle. These five and ten-year projections have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate future trends. While overall national employment is expected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of expansion vary greatly by sector. Applying these industry-specific projections to the local workforce mix suggests employment in Firle will rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (noting this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Firle is $1,488 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $735 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,256 a year against an average of $70,707. 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
Based on the most recent postcode-level ATO records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, tax-paying residents in the suburb of Firle registered a median income of $51,256 and an average of $70,707. These figures exceed the national averages, whereas Greater Adelaide recorded a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $56,469 for the median and $77,898 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are moderate, placing between the 35th and 35th percentiles.
The data shows that the weekly income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 30.9% of residents (507 people), which is very close to the regional share of 31.8%. Financial strain from housing is significant, with only 81.7% of income left over after housing costs, ranking in the 32nd percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Firle had 623 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 65% detached houses and 0% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 37% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $350 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 23.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 31.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential architecture in Firle at the time of the last Census consisted of 65.2% standalone houses and 34.8% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, units, or other options), compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across metropolitan Adelaide. Home ownership rates in Firle were identical to the Adelaide metropolitan benchmark at 31.9%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (30.7%) or occupied by tenants (37.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was recorded at $2,000, which is higher than the Adelaide metropolitan average of $1,562, while the median weekly rent was $350 compared to the Adelaide metropolitan figure of $320.
On a national scale, mortgage payments in Firle exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs remain below the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Firle counted 623 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 679 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 30% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 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 65.3%, consisting of couples with children (27.6%), couples without children (24.7%), and single parent households (11.7%). The remaining 34.7% consists of non-family households, which are dominated by single-person households at 30.3% and shared houses at 4.5%. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly below the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
40.7% of adults in Firle hold a university qualification, including 25.1% with a bachelor degree and 12.4% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 87% of areas nationally. A further 15.5% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Qualifications among residents in Firle are high compared to regional benchmarks, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This educational profile positions the suburb well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 25.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Technical and vocational training is also well represented, with 25.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (15.5%). Engagement in learning is strong, with 27.1% of the local population enrolled in an educational program.
This student cohort includes 8.7% in primary school, 7.9% in higher education, and 5.4% attending secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Firle reaches 13 stops on 16 routes, timetabled for about 870 services a week. The typical home sits about 130 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 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 options in Firle include 13 operational transit stops, consisting of various bus options. These locations are serviced by 16 different routes, which support 867 passenger journeys each week. Access to transit is highly rated, with residents situated an average of 131 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars remaining the primary choice at 82% and buses accounting for 10%. Household vehicle numbers average 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.
A small proportion of residents (11.8%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 settings. Transit services average 123 runs per day across all active routes, which translates to roughly 66 weekly trips for each stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.9% of residents in Firle report no long-term health condition. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health profiles in Firle are positive, with AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and long-term illnesses showing low rates of common health problems across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 55% of the community (~903 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The primary medical issues identified among local residents were arthritis and mental health conditions, each affecting 7.1% and 7.1% of the population, while 72.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The working-age population is healthy, showing low rates of chronic disease.
Residents aged 65 and over represent 17.2% of the local population (282 people), which is lower than the Greater Adelaide figure of 19.2%. Senior residents display very positive health profiles, with national standings that exceed the local average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
40.9% of Firle residents were born overseas and 42.4% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 84% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (18.3%) and Italian (15.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Firle exhibits a high degree of cultural diversity, with 40.9% of its residents born outside of Australia and 42.4% using a language other than English in their homes. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 49.8% of the local population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 2.3% of residents compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding parental heritage, the three largest ancestral groups in Firle are English, representing 18.3% of the community (below the regional average of 27.8%), Italian, representing 15.6% (above the regional average of 5.2%), and Australian, representing 15.4% (below the regional average of 22.8%).
Furthermore, there are distinct variations in the proportions of other backgrounds: Hungarian heritage is present at 0.6% (compared to 0.3% regionally), Greek heritage at 4.4% (compared to 2.0% regionally), and Chinese heritage at 11.1% (compared to 3.1% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Firle is 38. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 28.9% 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 median age of residents in Firle is 38, which is very close to the Greater Adelaide median of 39 and matches the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the suburb has a higher share of people aged 35 - 44 (16.8% of the population) and a lower share of people aged 65 - 74 (7.9%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 15.0% to 16.8% of the population, while the 45 to 54 bracket has decreased from 11.9% to 10.9%. Projections indicate that the demographic profile will shift by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age group expected to grow by 51 people (19%) from 276 to 328.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Firle
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 — 26 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,508 at the 2021 Census → 1,644 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 (SAL40438). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.