Hove

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Hove is around 3,427, reflecting an increase of 238 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.5% rise from the previous figure of 3,189 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,277 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,904 persons per square kilometer, placing Hove in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth of 7.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 7.4%, marking it as a notable growth leader in the area. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for this population growth during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 523 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 12.2% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Hove recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 105 homes were approved. In FY-26 up to date, nine homes have been approved.

On average, about 1.7 new residents arrived per new home over these five years. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new homes was $713,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hove maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, though recent activity has moderated somewhat. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. The location has approximately 244 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Looking ahead, Hove is projected to grow by 417 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Hove has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project impacting 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 is 1.3% and there was an estimated employment growth of 3.8% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,614 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Hove is at 57.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Based on Census responses, 16.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, employment levels in professional & technical services are at 1.4 times the regional average, while manufacturing has a limited presence with 4.9% employment compared to 7.0% regionally.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.8% and labour force increased by 3.8%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged in Hove. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Hove's median income among taxpayers is $51,207, with an average of $68,110. This aligns with national averages and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Hove would be approximately $55,713 (median) and $74,104 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Hove rank modestly, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. The largest segment comprises 26.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (894 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise 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, was 60.1% houses and 40.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 70.2% houses and 30.0% 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 $1,562. Median weekly rent in Hove was $328, lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Hove's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863, while rents were substantially below 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 of 34.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the South African average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's 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 also 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. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, 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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 14 routes, collectively facilitating 975 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated approximately 231 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Hove residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (82%), followed by trains at 9%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 16% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 139 trips daily, translating to roughly 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Hove 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

Hove's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 54% (~1,847 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (7.5%). About 60.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Hove has a higher proportion of seniors, with 35.1% (1,202 people) aged 65 and over, compared to 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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 region, as indicated by its population born in Australia (77.3%), citizens (92.2%), and English speakers (91.5%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Hove (47.8%). However, the 'Other' religious category is underrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide (1.0% vs 1.8%).

The top three ancestral groups are English (34.3%, higher than the regional average of 27.8%), Australian (26.8%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, German ancestry is slightly overrepresented in Hove (4.8%) compared to the region (5.1%), while Polish (0.8% vs 1.0%) and Serbian (0.3% vs 0.4%) ancestries are underrepresented.

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 12.6% of the population, compared to 6.1% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 6.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.6% to 12.6% of Hove's population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.5% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 12.2% to 10.8%. By 2041, Hove is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 85+ age group is expected to grow by 87%, reaching 537 people from 287. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 80% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.