Melrose Park (SA)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Melrose Park reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the Melrose Park (SA) statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,364 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 45 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,319. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,359 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,790 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, South Australian Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Melrose Park (SA) (SA2) is expected to grow by 127 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.3% over the 17 years.

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

Melrose Park has received approximately 10 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. This totals an estimated 54 homes over the past five financial years, with 5 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. The average new residents arriving per new home is around 0.4 per year over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $412,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Melrose Park has slightly more development, at 35.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. New building activity consists of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a range of medium-density options across different price brackets.

Melrose Park has around 168 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain 126 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Melrose Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely affecting this region: SA Health's "Building a Bigger Health System in the South" (including Daw Park Urgent Care Hub and other upgrades), the New Hospital and Allied Centre at Repat Health Precinct, Tram Grade Separation Projects, and the River Torrens to Darlington Project - South Road Resurfacing Works. The following list details those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Melrose Park rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Melrose Park has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 1,369 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 65.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has a limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a ratio of 1.4 workers per resident, acting as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, while the labour force grew by the same percentage, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 2.1%. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment to 3.8%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows that South Australian employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state's unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project an expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Melrose Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Melrose Park had a median income among taxpayers of $52,027 and an average level of $67,163. Nationally, the figures stand at approximately $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be around $56,605 (median) and $73,073 (average). As per the 2021 Census, Melrose Park's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly between the 40th and 55th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 28.6% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (676 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Melrose Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Melrose Park's dwellings were 74.4% houses and 25.7% other types at the latest Census, compared to Adelaide metro's 78.8% houses and 21.2% others. Home ownership in Melrose Park was 32.1%, with mortgages at 41.1% and rentals at 26.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, below Adelaide's average of $1,992. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Adelaide's $335. Nationally, Melrose Park's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Melrose Park features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.4% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

Melrose Park shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Melrose Park's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 33.6% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to the SA3 area's 43.1%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (20.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.5%), tertiary education (6.4%), and secondary education (5.2%).

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

Melrose Park has 14 operational public transport stops, serving a variety of bus routes. These stops are served by 20 different routes, offering a total of 1,238 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 211 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, with an average of 176 trips per day across all routes, amounting to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Melrose Park faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,265 people), compared to 59.3% across Greater Adelaide.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively. A total of 68.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is slightly lower than the 69.3% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (456 people), compared to 21.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting some challenges.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Melrose Park was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Melrose Park, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 22.2% of its residents born overseas and 21.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.1%. Hinduism, however, was notably overrepresented at 4.4%, compared to 1.7% in Greater Adelaide.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.4%), Australian (26.0%), and Other (8.7%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Hungarian residents made up 0.7% of Melrose Park's population, higher than the regional average of 0.3%; German residents comprised 5.6%, slightly lower than the region's 5.9%; Greek residents were at 4.0%, higher than the regional average of 2.5%.

Melrose Park's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Melrose Park has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Melrose Park has an over-representation of the 35-44 age cohort at 17.0%, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 9.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.6% to 6.9% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.3% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Melrose Park's age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 57 people (an increase of 79%), reaching a total of 131 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.