Gilles Plains

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of the suburb of Gilles Plains is estimated to be around 4,311 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 210 people (5.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,101 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,177 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,449 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Examining future trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected for the suburb, with an anticipated expansion by 512 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Gilles Plains when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Gilles Plains has recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval each year since FY-21. This totals an estimated 102 homes over the past five financial years. As of FY-26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. Over these years, an average of 1.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

Supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average value of $337,000. This financial year, $64,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to Greater Adelaide, Gilles Plains records about 57% of the building activity per person and places among the 76th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recently, construction activity has intensified with new building activity showing 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% medium and high-density housing. This maintains the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 157 people per dwelling approval, Gilles Plains shows characteristics of a low density area. Future projections show Gilles Plains adding 446 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Gilles Plains has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

No factors impact an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to affect this area. Key projects include Springbank Waters Residential Estate, Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals (including Valley View area works), Walkleys Road Corridor, and Valley View Secondary School upgrade. The following list details those most relevant:.

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Employment conditions in Gilles Plains remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Gilles Plains has an educated workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%.

Compared to Greater Adelaide's unemployment rate of 3.9%, Gilles Plains is 0.4% higher, while workforce participation remains similar at 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 8.7% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety.

However, construction is under-represented with 6.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, labour force grew by 1.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points in Gilles Plains. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Gilles Plains, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Gilles Plains had a median income among taxpayers of $48,727 and an average income of $53,964. This is lower than national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for median income would be approximately $53,015 and average income would be around $58,713 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Gilles Plains rank at the 24th percentile, family incomes at the 29th percentile, and personal incomes at the 32nd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 35.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gilles Plains, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 30th percentile.

Gilles Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Gilles Plains' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gilles Plains was at 21.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,536, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Gilles Plains' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gilles Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.7% of all households, including 32.6% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

In Gilles Plains, the educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Specifically, 32.1% of residents aged 15 years and above possess university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in South Australia overall. This notable educational advantage places the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 20.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 29.5% of residents aged 15 years and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (19.7%). Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 6.7% in tertiary education, and 6.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Gilles Plains has 24 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes, offering a total of 1,984 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 175 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside the area. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 82% of residents, while buses account for 14%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 8.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 283 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 82 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gilles Plains is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Gilles Plains faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,085 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (8.3%) and arthritis (8.1%), while 70.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 13.9% of residents aged 65 and over (599 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Gilles Plains has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.1% of its population born overseas and 45.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Gilles Plains, making up 36.8% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 13.2% of Gilles Plains' population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other at 21.5%, English at 18.8%, and Australian at 18.4%. Notably, Sri Lankan (0.9%), Indian (7.5%), and Filipino (2.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.2%, 2.3%, and 1.0% respectively.

Gilles Plains's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Gilles Plains is 36 years, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Gilles Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (18.4%), but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 16.7% to 18.4%, while the proportion of those aged 65-74 has decreased from 8.3% to 6.4%. By 2041, Gilles Plains is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 595 residents from a current total of 482. Conversely, the 75-84 age group is anticipated to decrease by 9 residents.