Nailsworth

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

As of February 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population of the suburb of Nailsworth to be around 2,288. This is an increase of 53 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,235, reflecting a growth rate of 2.4%. The current resident population estimate of 2,250 was derived by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,896 persons per square kilometer, placing Nailsworth in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each 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 after adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, demographic trends indicate lower quartile growth for statistical areas across the nation. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Nailsworth is expected to increase by 66 persons by the year 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 1.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Nailsworth averaging around 1 new dwelling approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 9 homes were approved, with 2 more in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 5.8 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over these years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $460,000. In FY-26, $818,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Nailsworth records markedly lower building activity, at 89.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Activity is also under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. All new construction in Nailsworth has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Detached housing favours more than current patterns suggest (69.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 1499 people per approval, Nailsworth shows a mature, established area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Nailsworth to grow by 33 residents through to 2041. Construction maintains a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Nailsworth has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Prospect Lifestyle Precinct, Northern Adelaide Road Upgrades Program, New Women's and Children's Hospital, and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety. The following list details those most likely to be pertinent.

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

Nailsworth has an educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,329 residents are employed with a local unemployment rate of 1.2% below Greater Adelaide's. Workforce participation in Nailsworth is 73.4%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 11.3% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Education & training has a high share at 1.4 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs 15.7%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.2% and labour force by 2.9%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0% with a slight fall in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Nailsworth, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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 2023 shows that income in Nailsworth is high nationally. The median assessed income is $54,466 and the average income stands at $76,624. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,259 (median) and $83,367 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Nailsworth cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, 28.6% of locals (654 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners (31.3%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and placing the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 7th decile.

Nailsworth displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Nailsworth, as recorded in the latest Census, 69.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 30.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nailsworth stood at 29.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.2% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,995, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent in Nailsworth was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Nailsworth's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

Nailsworth features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.8 percent of all households, including 37.4 percent couples with children, 22.2 percent couples without children, and 9.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.2 percent, with lone person households at 26.3 percent and group households comprising 4.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Nailsworth is notably high, with 41.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.8%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 25.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 15.7%. Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.6% in tertiary education, and 7.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows three active stops operating in Nailsworth, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by eleven routes, collectively facilitating 688 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically located 323 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain dominant at 84%, with buses at 8% and cycling at 2%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 11.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 98 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 229 weekly trips per individual stop.

Nailsworth's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Nailsworth. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (1,309 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.6 and 7.1% of residents respectively. 72.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (407 people), which is lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Nailsworth, as per the census conducted on 9 August 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. Its population included 25.9% born overseas and 23.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Nailsworth, with 44.9% of residents identifying as such.

Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented, comprising 6.1% of the population compared to the regional average of 2.8%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (23.5%), Australian (21.6%), and Other (8.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Polish at 1.4% (regional average 1.0%), Serbian at 0.8% (regional average 0.4%), and Vietnamese at 2.4% (regional average 1.2%).

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

Nailsworth's median age is 39 years, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Nailsworth at 14.7%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.9%. Post the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group grew from 9.2% to 11.4% of Nailsworth's population, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.3% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 12.1% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Nailsworth's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 47%, adding 51 residents to reach 161. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 85% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts.