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 analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Meadows, as of November 2025, its estimated population is around 1,941. This reflects an increase of 224 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,717. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of Meadows' resident population at 1,924 following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 45 persons per square kilometer. Meadows' 13.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's (7.1%) and metropolitan area's growth rates, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation, with Meadows expected to expand by 254 persons to reach 2,195 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 6.8% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Meadows when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Meadows has seen around 25 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 129 homes. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $387,000.

This financial year has seen $3.0 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Meadows has had 41.0% more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area.

Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Meadows' traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 88 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Meadows is expected to grow by 131 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Meadows has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects were identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include the High Productivity Vehicle Network, New Mount Barker Hospital, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, and Adelaide's Inner and Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements. Details about these projects are not provided.

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Employment conditions in Meadows demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Meadows has a skilled labor force with the construction sector being notably prominent. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, Meadows' unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stands at 67.0%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Meadows shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 5.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 13.8% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, labor force by 1.9%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and unemployment rise marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Meadows' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Meadows at $57,264 and average income at $72,284. This compares to Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,611 (median) and $81,558 (average). Census data indicates Meadows' household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income brackets show 45.8% of residents (888 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.8%. After housing costs, Meadows' residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 latest Census evaluation shows that Meadows' dwelling structure comprised 98.3% houses and 1.6% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Adelaide metro's 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadows was at 31.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 56.8% and rented ones at 11.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,645, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Meadows was $343, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Meadows' median monthly mortgage repayments are significantly lower at $1,645 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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% of all households, including 37.3% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 16.9%, with lone person households at 15.5% and group households making up 1.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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 the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 33.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.4% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education. Meadows Primary School serves the area, enrolling 201 students, and offers typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) with balanced educational opportunities. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 10.4, below the regional average of 14.0, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Meadows shows five active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with one individual route serving each stop collectively providing ten weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located 367 meters from the nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 exhibit relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence rates for common conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 56% (~1,078 people) have private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.8%) and mental health issues (8.5%). Notably, 68.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to the Greater Adelaide average of 68.5%. Meadows has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.9% (328 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among Meadows' seniors are particularly strong, outperforming 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' population was found to be relatively homogeneous culturally, with 90.4% being Australian 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. Notably, Judaism, which constitutes 0.1% of Greater Adelaide's population, was not represented in Meadows (0.0%).

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.4%), Australian (33.0%), and Scottish (8.0%). While some ethnic groups showed similar representation to regional averages, others diverged notably: German at 7.3% (compared to 8.2% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), and Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.8%).

Meadows's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Meadows' 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 an over-representation 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 to 84 age group grew from 3.7% to 5.4%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.7% to 11.2% and the 25 to 34 group decreased from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Meadows' age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 53 residents to reach 158. Residents aged 65 and older represent 66% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 55 to 64 cohorts.