Nairne

Population growth drivers in Nairne are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Nairne is around 5,949, reflecting an increase of 622 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of 11.7%, exceeding both the state's growth rate of 9.0% and Greater Adelaide's during this period. The population density stands at 224 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. Natural growth contributed approximately 45.0% to overall population gains in recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration also being positive influences. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels.

Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 1,023 persons to reach approximately 7,972 by 2041, reflecting an overall growth rate of 13.4% over these 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Nairne among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Nairne has experienced around 30 dwellings receiving development approval each year. An estimated 154 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25. Additionally, 28 dwellings have been approved so far in FY-26.

On average, 3.1 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built during these five years. This indicates substantial demand outpacing supply, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties is $382,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, there have been $4.5 million in commercial approvals, implying a residential character for the area. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Nairne has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person but ranks among the 79th percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. However, building activity has accelerated recently. All new construction in Nairne consists of standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The area has approximately 140 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Nairne is expected to grow by 800 residents, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Nairne has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this area. Notable ones are Larkview Mount Barker, Springlake Communities, Amblemead Estate, and Onkaparinga Valley Road Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Nairne shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Nairne has a skilled workforce with 4.0% unemployment as of September 2025. Employment grew by 2.7% in the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation. There are 3,319 residents currently employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Workforce participation is high at 76.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Only 12.9% of residents work from home, factoring in Covid-19 impacts. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

However, health care & social assistance employs just 15.2% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force grew by 3.2%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nairne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Nairne's median income among taxpayers is $52,407 and the average is $60,528. This is lower than national averages. Greater Adelaide has a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $57,019 (median) and $65,854 (average). The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Nairne are at the 55th percentile nationally. Income analysis indicates that 40.6% of residents (2,415 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with broader regional trends showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. Nairne's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Nairne, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nairne stood at 25.0%, with mortgaged properties at 54.1% and rented ones at 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Nairne was $350, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Nairne's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Nairne features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.4% of all households, including 36.3% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Nairne performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 23.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.8% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.4% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Nairne has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 6 different routes that together facilitate 230 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Nairne is rated as good, with residents on average located 303 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to its predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Nairne, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 32 trips per day, resulting in approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Nairne are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

AreaSearch's assessment indicates below-average health outcomes in Nairne.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly higher than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of Nairne's total population (~3,030 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Nairne, affecting 10.2 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.8% of residents aged 65 and over (880 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Nairne are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Nairne's population was found to be below average in cultural diversity, with 87.0% born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 34.7% of Nairne's population. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.6%), Australian (31.7%), and German (7.7%). Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented at 2.6% versus the regional average of 1.2%, while Hungarian stood at 0.4% compared to 0.3% regionally. Welsh ethnicity remained consistent with the regional average at 0.6%.

Nairne's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Nairne is 36, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Nairne has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.7%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 3.2% to 4.7%, while the 55-64 age group has risen from 11.7% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.0% to 11.6%. By 2041, Nairne's population is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 33%, adding 180 people and reaching a total of 728 from the current 547. The 0-4 age group, however, will see more modest growth of 6%, with an increase of only 22 residents.