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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Meadows' population is estimated at around 1,937 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 220 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,717 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,919 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest 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 equates to a density ratio of 45 persons per square kilometer. Meadows' 12.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's (9.0%) and Greater Adelaide's, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 251 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Meadows recorded around 26 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 132 homes. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

Supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $387,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, $3.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Meadows has slightly more development, 45.0% above regional average per person over the five-year period.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, developer confidence in the location is strong, as it is substantially higher than the national average. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. There are approximately 151 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Meadows is expected to grow by 136 residents through to 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Meadows has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that may impact the 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 most relevant.

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

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

Meadows' workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of September 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 2.8% over the past year.

Compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.9%, Meadows' unemployment rate was 1.1% lower, at 2.8%. Workforce participation in Meadows was 71.4%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Home-based work accounted for a low 11.2% of jobs. Key industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Meadows had significant employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.4 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employed only 13.8% of local workers, lower than Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while the labour force grew by 3.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Meadows had an income level higher than average nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Meadows was $57,264 and the average income stood at $72,284, compared to figures for Greater Adelaide of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $62,303 (median) and $78,645 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Meadows clustered around the 66th percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 45.8% of residents (887 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represented 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retained 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

In Meadows, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.3% of dwellings were houses, with 1.6% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadows stood at 31.4%, mirroring Adelaide metro's rate, with the rest being mortgaged (56.8%) or rented (11.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,645, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent in Meadows averaged $343, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Meadows' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below 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 account for 16.9%, comprising 15.5% lone person households and 1.2% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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 prevalent, with 44.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (33.6%). Educational participation is 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

Public transport analysis shows five active transport stops operating within Meadows. These stops are served by one individual route, collectively providing ten weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 367 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 11.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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

Health data for Meadows shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions have low prevalence across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (1,076 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.8 and 8.5% respectively. 68.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Meadows has 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (335 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Meadows' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.4% of its population being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Meadows is Christianity, comprising 31.0% of the population. However, Judaism was found to be overrepresented with 0.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.4%), Australian (33.0%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.3% in Meadows versus 5.1% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Dutch at 1.7% versus 1.2%.

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 an over-representation of the 55-64 cohort at 14.7% locally, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.1%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 3.7% to 5.7%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 15.1% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.7% to 10.9%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.8%. By 2041, Meadows's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 45%, adding 49 residents to reach 160. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 65% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 cohorts.