Hove

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Hove is around 3,929 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 740 people (23.2%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,189 people in the suburb. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,921 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2025 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,329 persons per square kilometer for Hove, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 23.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (5.7%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population growth during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by just below the median rate of statistical areas across the nation, with an increase of 462 persons projected by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.6% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Hove according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Hove has seen approximately 21 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 106 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY-26. The average population growth per dwelling approval over this period was 1.1 people per year.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $713,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $3.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hove shows comparable construction activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, although recent construction activity has eased. New development consists of 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. The location currently has approximately 233 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Hove is expected to grow by 454 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Hove has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that are expected to affect this area. Notable projects include the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, and North South Corridor. Below is a list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Hove has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate is 1.1%, with estimated employment growth of 9.3% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 1,999 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Hove is at 59.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 16.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter showing notable concentration at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing employment is lower at 4.9%, compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 9.3% while labour force grew by 9.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.1%. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 4.2%, labour force expand by 3.9%, and unemployment fall to 3.5%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project overall 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Hove's median income among taxpayers is $51,207. The average income in the suburb is $68,110. Nationally, these figures are approximately average. In Greater Adelaide, the median income is $54,808 and the average is $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hove's median income would be approximately $56,415 by March 2026. The average could reach around $75,037 during the same period. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Hove rank modestly, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 26.1% of residents (1,025 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which aligns with regional trends where this cohort represents 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Hove, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 35th percentile. The suburb'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). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hove stood at 42.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented dwellings at 24.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,991, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Hove was $328, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Hove's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,991 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $328 compared to the national figure of $375.

Hove features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 39.2%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 region average of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 such qualifications – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (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

A transport analysis indicates 16 operational stops in Hove offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 distinct routes, facilitating 975 weekly passenger journeys. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 231 meters to the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the prevalent mode at 82%, while train usage stands at 9%. The area has a lower-than-average vehicle ownership rate of 1.1 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 16.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 139 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Hove faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high for common health conditions across all age cohorts, but particularly so among older adults. Private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (around 2,118 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are broadly typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.5%, with 1,355 people falling into this age category, compared to the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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 broader regional average, 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%. Notably, the 'Other' category is underrepresented in Hove at 1.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English (34.3%) and Australian (26.8%) are the top groups, with Irish following at 8.4%. German (4.8%), Polish (0.8%), and Serbian (0.3%) show notable divergences from regional averages.

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 12.7% of the population, which is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.7%, lower than Greater Adelaide's proportion. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 10.6% to 12.7% of Hove's population, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 10.5% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.2%. By 2041, notable shifts are expected in Hove's age composition. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 88%, reaching 560 people from its current figure of 298. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 79% of this growth, while populations in the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decline.