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 of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Gilles Plains is around 4,076, reflecting a decrease of 25 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population estimate by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 was 4,061, with an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 2,315 persons per square kilometer, placing Gilles Plains in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth in the area, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 497 persons to reach an estimated total population of around 4,573 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 16.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Gilles Plains recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Gilles Plains shows approximately 17 residential properties granted approval annually since FY-20. This totals an estimated 86 homes over the past five financial years. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodates 2.1 new residents per year.

The average construction cost for new homes is $337,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, commercial approvals amount to $87,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Adelaide's average. Gilles Plains has 52.0% fewer residential constructions per person than the regional average, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Detached houses comprise 94.0% of new building activity in Gilles Plains, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 6.0%, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes. Gilles Plains has a low density population of around 282 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts indicate an increase of 671 residents in the area, potentially leading to growing competition among buyers as population grows.

Gilles Plains has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to affect this area. Notable 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 projects 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 Gilles Plains remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Gilles Plains has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 2,138 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety sectors. However, construction is under-represented, with only 6.7% of Gilles Plains' workforce compared to 8.7% in Greater Adelaide. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, while labour force increased by 1.5%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Gilles Plains. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gilles Plains' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, although 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Gilles Plains is lower than average nationally. The median income is $48,727 and the average income stands at $53,964. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Gilles Plains would be approximately $54,979 (median) and $60,888 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Gilles Plains rank modestly, between the 24th and 32nd percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 35.8% of residents (1,459 people), mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. 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

Dwelling structure in Gilles Plains, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 74.6% houses and 25.4% 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 in the area was $1,536, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,603. Median weekly rent in Gilles Plains was $295, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Gilles Plains's 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 constitute 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 account for 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, 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

Educational attainment in Gilles Plains is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 32.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 19.8% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in South Australia overall. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.8% and certificates for 19.7%.

Educational participation is 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. Gilles Plains has three schools with a combined enrollment of 1,292 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 992). The educational mix includes one primary school and two K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub, offering 31.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 11.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Gilles Plains has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 18 different routes that together facilitate 1,980 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 175 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 282 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 82 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Gilles Plains are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Gilles Plains shows below-average health indicators with common conditions slightly higher than national averages among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,971 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.3% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 70.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.8% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (558 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention 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, accounting for 36.8% of people. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 13.2% of the population versus 8.9%.

The top three ancestry groups in Gilles Plains are Other (21.5%), English (18.8%), and Australian (18.4%). Notably, Sri Lankan (0.9%) is overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 0.4%, Indian at 7.5% versus 8.3%, and Filipino at 2.4% versus 1.6%.

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

The median age in Gilles Plains is 36, 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 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (6.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 has increased from 16.7% to 18.3%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 8.3% to 6.5%. By the year 2041, Gilles Plains is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 30%, adding 136 people and reaching a total of 597 from 460. Conversely, the 75 to 84 age group shows no growth, with an increase of 0 residents.