Gawler East

Population growth drivers in Gawler East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Gawler East statistical area's population was estimated at around 6,702 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,013 people (17.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,689 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,305 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 265 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,147 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Gawler East's 17.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (8.7%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast for the Gawler East (SA2), expected to increase by 2,575 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Gawler East among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Gawler East has experienced approximately 61 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 305 homes. As of FY-26, 44 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.3 people moved to the area per new home constructed, suggesting solid demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $329,000.

This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Gawler East records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 85th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 95% standalone homes and 5% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space.

The location has approximately 113 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Gawler East will gain 2,127 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Gawler East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this area. Key initiatives include Concordia Residential Development, Angle Vale Water and Sewer Infrastructure, Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS), and Northern Adelaide Transport Study.

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Employment performance in Gawler East exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Gawler East has a skilled workforce with 3.2% unemployment rate as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.1%.

The unemployment rate is 0.8% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, while workforce participation is 58.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing employment is particularly notable at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employ only 4.7% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally due to a higher resident population than working population. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, labour force by 1.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows 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 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.2% over ten years for Gawler East, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Gawler East's median income among taxpayers is $58,768, with an average of $66,602. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Greater Adelaide has a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gawler East would be approximately $63,940 (median) and $72,463 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Gawler East rank modestly, between the 39th and 44th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 35.3% of residents (2,365 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 31.8% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Gawler East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Gawler East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gawler East stood at 36.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.6% and rented ones at 19.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,508, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,500. The median weekly rent in Gawler East was $300, slightly above Adelaide metro's figure of $290. Nationally, Gawler East's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,508 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 than the national figure of $375.

Gawler East has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.2% of all households, including 27.4% couples with children, 33.9% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Gawler East aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (29.5%). A substantial 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gawler East has 28 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 220 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 416 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 31 trips per day, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gawler East is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Gawler East faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate stands at approximately 53%, or about 3,574 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 50.6%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting around 10.5% and 10.4% of residents respectively. About 60.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 62.3%. The proportion of seniors aged 65 and over is higher at 24.8%, or around 1,662 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area generally align with those of the broader population.

Gawler East ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Gawler East's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 81.3% born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.0%, compared to 42.1% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.4%), Australian (28.5%), and German (7.2%).

Welsh, Dutch, and Maltese showed notable differences in representation: Welsh at 0.6% vs 0.5%, Dutch at 1.4% vs 1.5%, and Maltese at 0.4% vs 0.5%.

Gawler East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Gawler East's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile reveals that the 65-74 year-old group comprises 12.2% of the population, a notably prominent figure compared to other age groups. Conversely, the 25-34 year-old group constitutes only 12.2%, which is comparatively smaller than in Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 25-34 has increased from 11.5% to 12.2%. During this period, the 45-54 year-old cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Gawler East. The 75-84 year-old cohort is expected to grow by 74%, adding 408 residents and reaching a total of 958.