Meadows

Meadows lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates, the Meadows statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of 1,937 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a growth of 220 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,717 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,919 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 45 persons per square kilometer. The Meadows' growth rate of 12.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (8.7%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for statistical areas across the nation, with the Meadows expected to expand by 255 persons to reach 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Meadows had around 26 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 132 homes. By June 2026, nine approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents arriving per year per new home was approximately 1.1 over the past five financial years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and an average construction value of $387,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This financial year has seen $3.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Meadows' construction activity is 45.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values, although recent activity has eased. This level of construction is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer interest in the area. All building activity in recent times consists of detached houses, preserving Meadows' traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 151 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Meadows is forecasted to gain 136 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Meadows has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are projected to impact this area. Key projects include High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN), New Mount Barker Hospital, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, and Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, with the following list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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Meadows ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Meadows has a skilled workforce with a notable construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%.

As of September 2025, 1,062 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 67.0%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows strong specialization, with employment share five times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 13.8%, compared to the regional 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 2.7% alongside labour force growth of 3.6%, raising unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's employment growth of 3.0%, labour force expansion of 2.9%, and unemployment fall of 0.1%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, favourable compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts suggest Meadows' employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Meadows' employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Meadows' median income is $57,264 and average income is $72,284. Nationally, the median income is $54,808 with an average of $66,852 in Greater Adelaide. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,303 (median) and $78,645 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that Meadows' household, family and personal incomes cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income brackets show that 45.8% of Meadows' population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is also 31.8% in the metropolitan region. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Meadows is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Meadows, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 98.3% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadows was at 31.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (56.8%) or rented (11.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,645, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $343, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Meadows' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Meadows features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 83.1 percent of all households, including 37.3 percent couples with children, 34.9 percent couples without children, and 9.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 16.9 percent, with lone person households at 15.5 percent and group households making up 1.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Meadows aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.5%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (33.6%). Educational participation is high at 27.0%, with 13.4% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows five active stops in Meadows, served by various bus routes. These offer ten weekly passenger trips collectively. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 367 meters, indicating good accessibility.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to about two weekly trips per individual stop.

Meadows's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Meadows residents have shown relatively positive health outcomes.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 56% (~1,076 people) of Meadows' total population has private health cover, which is very high. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 68.8%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 68.5%. Meadows has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.8% (325 people) compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Meadows are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Meadows is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Meadows had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 90.4% of its population being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 31.0% of Meadows' population. Judaism, however, was not represented (0.0%) compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.4%), Australian (33.0%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notably, German (7.3%) and Hungarian (0.4%) were overrepresented in Meadows compared to regional averages of 8.2% and 0.3%, respectively. Dutch representation was also slightly higher at 1.7%.

Meadows's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Meadows's median age is 39 years, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Meadows has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 cohort at 14.6% locally, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.2%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 3.7% to 5.4%, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.7% to 11.2%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 14.1% to 12.9%. By 2041, Meadows's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 52%, adding 54 residents to reach 159. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 66% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 55-64 age cohorts.