Gawler South

Population growth drivers in Gawler South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Gawler South statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 3,100 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 482 people (18.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,618 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,822, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,131 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Gawler South (SA2)'s growth of 18.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's growth rate of 8.7% and the 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 adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast for the Gawler South (SA2), expected to expand by 1,134 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 29.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Gawler South has received approximately 29 dwelling approvals per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 149 homes were approved, with an additional 19 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 2.1 new residents gained annually for each dwelling built over the past five financial years, suggesting solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $329,000. In terms of commercial development, $3.7 million has been recorded this financial year, indicating Gawler South's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Gawler South has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 83rd percentile nationally, showing robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 96% standalone homes and 4% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (75% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 124 people per dwelling approval, Gawler South exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gawler South is projected to gain approximately 907 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected population growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

No factors influence a region's performance more than local infrastructure changes, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to impact this area. Key projects include Concordia Residential Development, Angle Vale Water and Sewer Infrastructure, Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS), and Northern Adelaide Transport Study, 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.

Employment conditions in Gawler South remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Gawler South has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of September 2025. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 1,485 residents were employed, with the unemployment rate aligning with Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

However, workforce participation was somewhat lower at 58.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force increased by 2.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 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, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with the state's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gawler South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Gawler South has a median taxpayer income of $54,149 and an average of $61,366. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Adelaide, the median income is $54,808 with an average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Gawler South would be approximately $58,914 (median) and $66,766 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Gawler South fall between the 16th and 31st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile reveals that the $800 - $1,499 income bracket dominates with 29.5% of residents (914 people), unlike regional trends where 31.8% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gawler South, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Gawler South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Adelaide metro's 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gawler South was at 30.9%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (38.1%) or rented (31.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,500. The median weekly rent figure in Gawler South was recorded at $260, compared to Adelaide metro's $290. Nationally, Gawler South's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 60.7% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.3%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Gawler South exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 28.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gawler South has 15 operational public transport stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, together facilitating 894 weekly passenger journeys. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 282 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 127 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gawler South is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Gawler South, with common conditions prevalent across younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51%, covering around 1,589 people. Mental health issues affect 11.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.6%. About 59.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 21.4% of residents aged 65 and over (663 people), higher than the 19.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

Gawler South is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gawler South's cultural diversity was found to be below average in the census conducted on 9 August 2016, with 81.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Gawler South, comprising 43.3% of people in the area during this period. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation with 0.2% of the population compared to none across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents were English at 38.6%, Australian at 26.4%, and Scottish at 7.3%. Notably, German ethnicity was slightly overrepresented at 7.1% in Gawler South compared to 6.7% regionally, Maltese at 0.6% versus 0.5%, and Dutch at 1.4% versus 1.5%.

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

Gawler South's median age is 46, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. The age profile reveals that individuals aged 55-64 are notably prominent at 15.3%, while those aged 35-44 constitute a smaller proportion at 10.9% compared to Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 9.9% to 10.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.7% to 13.7%. Population projections for 2041 suggest substantial demographic shifts in Gawler South, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 44%, adding 188 residents to reach a total of 613.