Hove

Population growth drivers in Hove are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Hove's population is estimated at around 3,425 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 236 people (7.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,189 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,277 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,902 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Hove's 7.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected for the Hove statistical area (Lv2), with the area expected to increase by 524 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Hove has recorded around 21 residential properties granted approval each year. An estimated 105 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further nine approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics.

The average construction value of new homes is $713,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Hove's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hove maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although recent periods have shown some moderation in development activity.

Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. The location has approximately 244 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Hove is expected to grow by 420 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Hove has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting the region: Tram Grade Separation at Morphett Road, Morphettville. Other key projects include River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, and Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Hove performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Hove has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7%.

As of September 2025, there were 1,613 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was at 53.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with notable concentration in the latter at 1.4 times the regional average. Manufacturing has limited presence, with 4.9% employment compared to 7.0% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, labour force by 3.7%, resulting in a slight increase in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. In Hove, median income among taxpayers was $51,207 and average income was $68,110. These figures are close to national averages. Greater Adelaide's median income was $54,808 and average income was $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,713 (median) and $74,104 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Hove's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. The largest segment comprises 26.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (893 residents), similar to the region where this cohort represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hove, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Hove displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Hove's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.1% houses and 40.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 52.9% houses and 47.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hove stood at 42.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 24.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,991, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Hove was $328, lower than Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Hove's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were below the national figure of $375.

Hove features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 60.8% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.2%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which matches the Greater Adelaide average.

Hove shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 34.1%, exceeding the South African average of 25.7% and the SA4 region rate of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 18.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Hove has 16 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 routes that facilitate 975 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 231 meters, indicating good accessibility.

On average, there are 139 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Hove is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges in Hove, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~1,846 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (7.5%). 60.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Greater Adelaide. Hove has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.7% (1,188 people), compared to 28.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Hove records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hove's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region, with 77.3% born in Australia, 92.2% being citizens, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 47.8%. The 'Other' category is slightly overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestral groups are English (34.3%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (8.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: German is overrepresented at 4.8% (vs regional 5.5%), Polish at 0.8% (vs 0.9%), and Serbian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

Hove ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Hove's median age at 51 years is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 12.4% of the population, which is well above the national average of 6.0%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.0%, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 10.6% to 12.4%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 10.5% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, Hove is expected to experience notable demographic shifts. Notably, the 85+ population is projected to grow by 87%, reaching 538 people from 287. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 82% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.