Gawler South

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Gawler South is around 2,813. This figure reflects an increase of 195 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,618. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,770 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,026 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Gawler South's growth rate of 7.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 7.1%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, significant population increases are forecasted for the top quartile of statistical areas nationwide, with Gawler South expected to expand by 1,123 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 42.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Gawler South has seen approximately 26 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 130 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with another 7 approved in FY-26. Each new dwelling built over the past five financial years has resulted in an average of 2.4 new residents annually.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $329,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY-26, approximately $3.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Adelaide and nationally, Gawler South has about 66% of the building activity per person and ranks at the 72nd percentile among assessed areas.

New development consists of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. However, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (75.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends. With around 178 people per dwelling approval, Gawler South exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,183 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Gawler South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Angle Vale Water and Sewer Infrastructure, Concordia Residential Development, Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) - SA Water, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. The following list details those most pertinent.

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

Gawler South has a diverse workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of June 2025, matching Greater Adelaide's rate.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. Residents in work numbered 1,475 by June 2025, with workforce participation at 58.1%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force grew by 1.6%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1% and labour force grow by 2.1%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Gawler South's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $54,149, with an average of $61,366. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $61,096 and an average of $69,239, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Gawler South fall between the 16th and 31st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that the $800 - $1,499 bracket is dominant, with 29.5% of residents (829 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gawler South, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

In Gawler South, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.7% of dwellings were houses while 25.3% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's dwelling structure which was 86.9% houses and 13.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gawler South stood at 30.9%, similar to the Adelaide metro level, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than the Adelaide metro average of $1,500. Weekly rent median was recorded at $260 compared to Adelaide metro's $290. Nationally, Gawler South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 39.3%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than Greater Adelaide's 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.3% and certificates for 28.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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. These include train and bus services, with a total of 8 routes serving the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 894.

Residents' average proximity to the nearest transport stop is 282 meters. All routes together make an average of 127 daily trips, which translates to around 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

Gawler South faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data showing high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The area has approximately 51% private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 region. Mental health issues affect 11.7% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.6%. Conversely, 59.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (21.4%, or 601 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly reflective of the general 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, as per the census conducted on 28 June 2016, had a below average cultural diversity with 81.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Gawler South at 0.2%, compared to 0% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups were English (38.6%), Australian (26.4%), and Scottish (7.3%). There were notable differences in the representation of German (7.1% vs regional 6.7%), Maltese (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Dutch (1.4% vs 1.5%) ethnic groups.

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 national average of 38. The age profile reveals that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 15.3%, while the 35-44 age group is smaller at 10.9% compared to Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and now, the 35-44 age group has increased from 9.9% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.7% to 13.7%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Gawler South, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 59%, adding 228 residents to reach a total of 614 in this cohort.