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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Highgate (SA) has an estimated 1,552 residents, up from 1,504 at the 2021 Census — a change of 48 people, or 3.2%. That puts 2,771 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside new address points validated by AreaSearch since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Highgate (SA) stands at approximately 1,552 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 48 residents, or a 3.2% rise, from the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,504 individuals. This shift is calculated from the estimated resident population of 1,552, determined by AreaSearch through examining the June 2025 ABS ERP release and incorporating 11 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 2,771 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of Australian settings analyzed by AreaSearch.
The 3.2% expansion in the suburb of Highgate (SA) since the census trails the SA3 region (5.4%) by 2.2 percentage points, showing competitive local growth dynamics. Overseas migration was the primary driver of these gains, serving as almost the exclusive source of population growth in recent times. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are applied to each SA2 region. For locations lacking this dataset and for horizons past 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket published by the SA State Government in 2023 (using 2021 data) are integrated via a weighted aggregation methodology from local government to SA2 levels. Based on these demographic forecasts, population expansion is anticipated to run slightly below the national median for statistical areas. Specifically, the suburb of Highgate (SA) is projected to add 144 individuals by 2041 under these aggregated SA2 models, translating to an overall growth rate of 9.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of building approvals from the ABS, mapped from wider statistical zones, show Highgate has sustained an annual average of about one new home approval, culminating in a total of 7 residences over the last 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 5 approvals have been documented. Because the local population has been declining, the supply of housing has remained sufficient to meet demand, supporting an equilibrium in the market with diverse choices for purchasers, while newly approved builds average a value of $879,000, pointing to developer activity concentrated in high-end, premium housing.
Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $125,000 have been logged during this financial year, underscoring the primarily residential character of the neighborhood. Highgate displays minimal construction activity relative to Greater Adelaide, tracking 71.0% below the metropolitan average per capita. A low volume of new completions generally bolsters demand and values for pre-existing stock. This rate also sits below the national benchmark, highlighting the established profile of the neighborhood and hinting at regulatory or spatial constraints. Recent approval statistics comprise 50.0% freestanding houses and 50.0% multi-unit or semi-detached dwellings. A trend toward higher density provides affordable entry points and attracts downsizers, real estate investors, and first-time buyers. This patterns marks a clear departure from the current housing stock, which is 69.0% standalone houses, signaling a contraction in vacant land and reflecting evolving lifestyle trends and demand for varied, cost-effective residential options. With approximately 1032 residents for every approved dwelling, Highgate presents a highly developed market profile. Long-term forecasts suggest Highgate will add 144 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, residential supply may fail to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening competition among buyers and supporting upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Highgate (SA)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 18 current infrastructure and development projects close to Highgate (SA), worth an estimated $435 million. 5 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are major factors in neighborhood performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of two projects expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include the residential development at 23 Riverdale Road, the Ridge Park Master Plan, the streetscape upgrade in Highgate Village, and the residential development at 400 Fullarton Road, with key details for relevant initiatives listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Unley Central
A transformative 150 million dollar mixed-use precinct on the former Target site. The nine-storey development integrates 130 luxury apartments with a diverse commercial hub including a six-screen boutique cinema, supermarkets, cafes, and medical services. As South Australia's first fully integrated mixed-use development on a single site, it provides significant local employment and modernizes the Unley Road corridor.
Regis Aged Care Parkside
Construction of a five-storey residential aged care facility (supported accommodation) comprising 156 accommodation units with ancillary communal areas, solar photovoltaic panels, water tanks, car parking, and landscaping. The site, formerly approved for a mixed-use development, was acquired and repurposed by Regis Aged Care.
Belair Road Retaining Walls Maintenance
Essential maintenance works on the retaining walls along Belair Road, below the Windy Point Lookout, to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the road.
Highgate Village Streetscape Upgrade
Stage 1 upgrade of the Highgate Village Business Precinct, including new footpath paving, garden beds, street furniture, shade trees, and improved pedestrian access.
322-324 Fullarton Road Townhouses
Collection of 10 luxurious two-storey townhouses with flexible floor plan options, modern design features, and Bosch kitchen appliances. Located in high-demand Fullarton suburb with easy access to amenities.
400 Fullarton Road Residential Development
Construct a three storey residential flat building containing thirteen (13) dwellings, and remove Significant Tree (Fiddlewood)
Unley 108 Apartments
Catcorp's project features a seven-storey mixed-use tower with residential units and a commercial space in Unley.
23 Riverdale Road Residential Development
Land Division (Torrens Title) to create 3 allotments from 1 existing allotment, construct 2 two-storey semi-detached dwellings with garages and verandahs and 1 two-storey storey detached dwelling with verandah and garage on boundary and combined fencing and retaining walls up to 2.6m in height.
862 residents of Highgate (SA) are employed, from a labour force of 885. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 68.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and a strong concentration of professionals, with unemployment at a low 2.6% and annual employment growth estimated at 4.1% based on statistical data compiled by AreaSearch. In March 2026, working residents numbered 862, while the local jobless rate stood 1.2% below the Greater Adelaide average of 3.8%. Labor force participation is highly consistent with the metropolitan benchmark of 66.6%. Census records indicate that a moderate 15.0% of employed locals worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions during the pandemic.
Local employment is largely concentrated in the fields of healthcare and social assistance, professional and technical services, and education and training. Professional and technical jobs are highly represented, appearing at 1.7 times the metropolitan average. In contrast, retail trade is underrepresented, accounting for 5.9% of local jobs compared to the metropolitan average of 10.0%. A Census-derived ratio of 0.7 jobs for every resident indicates local employment opportunities are more abundant than typically observed. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader regions, the recent 12-month period recorded a 4.1% rise in both employment and the total labor force, keeping the unemployment rate stable. This compares with a 4.2% employment gain, a 4.0% labor force expansion, and a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment across Greater Adelaide. Future labor demand in Highgate can be contextualized by the Jobs and Skills Australia national employment projections from May-25. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate potential trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with wide variation across sectors. Applying these national industry trends to Highgate's unique employment structure suggests local job numbers could grow by 7.2% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Highgate (SA) is $2,192 a week (about $114,000 a year), with median personal income at $988 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $62,448 a year against an average of $98,521. The average runs 58% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on ATO taxpayer records for the 2023 financial year compiled by AreaSearch at the postcode level, Highgate recorded a median taxpayer income of $62,448 and an average income of $98,521. These figures place the suburb in the top percentile nationwide, comparing to Greater Adelaide figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Adjusting for a 10.17% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year yields updated estimates of approximately $68,799 for the median and $108,541 for the average as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Highgate all rank in the 77th percentile nationally.
Income distribution data shows that 27.3% of the community, or 423 residents, fall within the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the wider metropolitan share of 31.8%. High local affluence is demonstrated by the 35.6% of residents earning upwards of $3,000 weekly, which underpins demand for high-end retail and services. Discretionary income remains high, with households retaining 89.0% of their earnings after meeting housing costs, placing the area in the 9th decile on the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Highgate (SA) had 572 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 69% detached houses and 14% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 43% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $360 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,009 a month. Rent absorbs 16.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in Highgate at the time of the last Census consisted of 68.7% standalone houses and 31.2% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across metropolitan Adelaide. Home ownership was notably higher than the metro average at 43.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with mortgages (34.1%) or renters (23.0%). The median mortgage payment in the suburb was $2,009 per month, which sits well above the Adelaide metropolitan average of $1,562, while the median weekly rent was $360, compared to the metropolitan average of $320.
On a national level, mortgage costs in Highgate exceed the Australian median of $1,863, whereas typical rental costs are lower than the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Highgate (SA) counted 572 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 38% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 25% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 72.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 37.9%, couples without children at 23.4%, and single-parent households at 9.6%. Non-family households represent the remaining 27.3%, with single-person households at 25.3% and group living situations accounting for 1.9%. The median household occupancy stands at 2.6 individuals, which is slightly higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
52.2% of adults in Highgate (SA) hold a university qualification, including 35.1% with a bachelor degree and 13.1% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 90% of areas nationally. A further 10.5% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 1,908 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,145 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic credentials in Highgate are exceptionally high compared to broader averages, with 52.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% across Greater Adelaide. This education profile positions the suburb well for knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 35.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 13.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational training accounts for 19.8% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 10.5%. Student representation is high, with 32.8% of the population enrolled in an educational program.
This comprises 9.8% of residents attending primary school, 9.7% in secondary education, and 8.7% studying at tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Highgate (SA) reaches 7 stops on 19 routes, timetabled for about 750 services a week. The typical home sits about 210 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport infrastructure includes seven active transit stops in Highgate, which are serviced by buses. These stops accommodate 19 distinct routes that combined run 750 passenger services each week. Access is favorable, with residents living an average of 206 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most working residents commute out of the area. Private vehicles remain the primary transit choice at 81%, followed by buses at 7% and cycling at 5%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. Working from home was recorded for 15.0% of the workforce at the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.
Transit services average 107 daily trips across all active routes, which translates to about 107 weekly services at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
74.0% of residents in Highgate (SA) report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 88% of areas nationally. 2.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 65.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health profiles in Highgate are excellent, as shown by mortality and chronic disease data from AreaSearch, with younger demographics showing particularly low rates of common illnesses. Private health insurance is highly prevalent, covering approximately 66% of the population, or 1,021 individuals. This is significantly higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent health diagnoses locally are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 7.3% and 6.7% of the population respectively, while 74.0% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide.
Seniors aged 65 and older represent 18.3% of the community, or 284 people. Seniors in the area exhibit favorable health profiles, although their national health ranking is slightly lower than that of the suburb's younger residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
25.4% of Highgate (SA) residents were born overseas and 21.8% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.9%) and Australian (22.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Highgate exhibits higher cultural diversity than most comparable markets, with 25.4% of its residents born outside Australia and 21.8% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 45.3% of the local population. Buddhism shows the most pronounced relative representation, accounting for 3.4% of residents compared to 2.4% across Greater Adelaide. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three most common ancestries are English at 27.9%, Australian at 22.7%, and Chinese at 8.9%, which is significantly above the metropolitan average of 3.1%. There are also distinct concentrations of other heritage groups: Hungarian ancestry is recorded at 0.5% of the population compared to 0.3% regionally, French ancestry is at 0.8% compared to 0.4% regionally, and German ancestry is at 5.3% compared to 5.1% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Highgate (SA) is 40. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 27.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents is 40 years, aligning closely with the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and slightly exceeding the national median of 38 years. Young adults aged 15 to 24 are highly represented at 16.5% of the population, while those aged 25 to 34 are less common at 10.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 13.9% to 16.5%, and the 25 to 34 group has risen from 9.3% to 10.8%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 demographic has decreased from 14.9% to 12.1%.
Long-term population projections to 2041 suggest changing demographic dynamics, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 31%, or 36 people, increasing from 117 to 154. Conversely, the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are projected to decrease in size.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Highgate (SA)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 11 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,504 at the 2021 Census → 1,552 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL40588). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.