Highbury (SA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Highbury reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Highbury (SA) is around 7,080 people. This figure reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,956 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing a resident population of 7,048. This results in a population density ratio of 1,631 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 48.0% to recent population gains, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

For future projections up to 2041, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Beyond these years or for areas not covered by this data, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Highbury (SA) is expected to grow by an additional 1,052 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.7% in total population over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Highbury shows approximately 24 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 121 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded.

On average, each home built has accommodated around 3.6 new residents per year during this period. The supply of new homes is lagging behind demand, which could lead to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value for new homes in Highbury is $412,000. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (93.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (7.0%), maintaining the area's suburban identity with a focus on family homes offering space. The population density is approximately 263 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Highbury is projected to grow by 1,255 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Tea Tree Gully Township North East Road Streetscape Upgrade, Highbury Aqueduct Reserve Master Plan Implementation, Modbury Hospital Redevelopment, and Modbury Sporting Club Redevelopment. The following list details 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Highbury places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Highbury's workforce is well-educated with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.4% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year.

Compared to Greater Adelaide's unemployment rate of 4.0%, Highbury's was 2.6% lower. Workforce participation in Highbury was 66.1%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, the area showed strong specialization in education & training with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 16.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. The predominantly residential area offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 1.0%, causing a slight fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1% with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Highbury. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Highbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Highbury has a median taxpayer income of $53,602 and an average income of $65,110 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is comparable to national averages, unlike Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $60,479 and an average income of $73,464, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. Highbury's incomes cluster around the 63rd percentile nationally according to census data. The largest income segment comprises 34.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,449 residents), which is similar to surrounding regions where 31.8% fall within this range. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Highbury's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.4% houses and 2.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Highbury stood at 42.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 12.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Adelaide metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $369. Nationally, Highbury's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Highbury features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households comprise 81.7% of all households, including 38.8% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.3%, with lone person households at 16.7% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people.

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

University qualifications in Highbury are held by 30.1% of residents aged 15+, which is higher than the South Australian average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas held by 11.4% and certificates by 22.1%.

Educational participation is high in Highbury, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education. Highbury Primary School serves the local educational needs within Highbury, with an enrollment of 507 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with ICSEA score of 1060 indicating above-average socio-educational conditions. Secondary educational options are available in surrounding areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 28 active public transport stops in Highbury, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 6 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 478 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 289 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 68 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Highbury is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Highbury shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Its private health cover rate is approximately 53%, higher than the average SA2 area's rate (~3,733 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.8% of residents) and asthma (7.3%), while 70.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Adelaide overall. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 20.1% of the population (1,423 people). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Highbury was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Highbury's cultural diversity was above average, with 23.4% of its population born overseas and 16.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Highbury, comprising 53.2% of the population. The 'Other' category showed significant overrepresentation in Highbury at 1.9%, compared to none across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.1%), Australian (23.3%), and Italian (10.9%). Notably, Polish (1.6%) was overrepresented in Highbury compared to the regional average of none. Similarly, Russian (0.6%) and Hungarian (0.4%) were also overrepresented with no regional counterparts reported.

Highbury hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Highbury is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 14.4% of Highbury's population, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.0%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Adelaide. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 12.8% to 14.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 6.4% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.0%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.1% to 13.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Highbury. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 184%, reaching 422 people from 148, leading the demographic shift. In contrast, the 65-74 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5%, increasing by 33 people.