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

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Melrose Park (SA) is estimated at around 2,704. This reflects an increase of 385 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,319. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,702 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,048 persons per square kilometer. Melrose Park's growth rate of 16.6% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (5.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

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, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 92 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.3% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Melrose Park shows around 10 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 52 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.9 new residents arrive annually for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new dwellings in Melrose Park is $412,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Melrose Park has experienced slightly more development, approximately 24.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. The new building activity consists of 64.0% detached houses and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, offering a range of medium-density options to create a mix of opportunities across various price brackets. With around 188 people per dwelling approval, Melrose Park exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is projected to gain 90 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Melrose Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to affect 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 the Repat Health Precinct, Tram Grade Separation Projects, and River Torrens to Darlington Project - South Road Resurfacing Works. These are the most relevant projects.

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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. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.8%. The area experienced estimated employment growth of 8.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 1,598 residents were employed with a participation rate of 72.9%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. A low 12.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Manufacturing had limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to the regional average of 7.0%. There were 1.4 workers per resident as at the Census, indicating Melrose Park functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.1% and labour force grew by 8.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Melrose Park had a median taxpayer income of $52,027 and an average of $67,163. Nationally, these figures are approximately average, with Greater Adelaide at $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). Using Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be around $57,318 (median) and $73,993 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Melrose Park rank modestly, between the 40th and 55th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 28.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 773 residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. Melrose Park's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Melrose Park's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.4% houses and 25.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 74.4% houses and 25.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Melrose Park was 32.1%, similar to Adelaide metro's 32%. Dwellings were either mortgaged (41.1%) or rented (26.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Melrose Park was $350, lower than Adelaide metro's $320 and 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 2.5.

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 prevalent 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 10.5% in primary education, 6.4% in tertiary education, and 5.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Melrose Park has 15 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 20 different routes that together facilitate 1,238 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average being 211 meters away from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 83%, followed by buses at 7% and walking at 4%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 176 trips per day, equating to about 82 weekly trips per 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,447 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.8% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 68.3% of residents report no medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (527 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 between October 2016 and June 2017, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 22.2% of its residents born overseas and 21.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Melrose Park, making up 39.1% of the population. Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 4.4% versus 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.4%), Australian (26.0%), and Other (8.7%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Hungarian residents made up 0.7%, higher than the regional average of 0.3%; German residents comprised 5.6% compared to 5.1% regionally; Greek residents were at 4.0%, higher than the regional 2.0%.

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

Melrose Park has a median age of 38, nearly matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, Melrose Park has an over-representation of the 35-44 cohort at 16.6% locally, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 10.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 5.6% to 7.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 9.9% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort declined from 4.1% to 2.7%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Melrose Park's age profile will significantly evolve. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 56 people (78%), increasing from 73 to 130 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.