Netherby (SA)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Netherby (SA) is around 1,531. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,510 people, representing a growth of 21 individuals (1.4%). The current population estimate was inferred by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,254 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration has been the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for Netherby (SA).

AreaSearch's projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 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 by age category, released in 2023 using 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate lower quartile growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, Netherby (SA) is expected to expand by 64 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.3% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Netherby, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Netherby saw approximately 11 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. Around 55 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, with one more approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 0.6 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years, indicating supply meeting or surpassing demand.

The average construction value of these new homes was $736,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties. This year has seen $6.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Netherby records 111% more development activity per person. Currently, 69% of new developments are detached dwellings, and 31% are attached, offering a range of housing types and price points.

With around 1025 people per dwelling approval, Netherby indicates a highly mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 81 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Netherby has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to affect the region. Notable projects include Old Belair and James Road Junction Upgrade, Belair National Park Redevelopment, Belair Road Retaining Walls Maintenance, and Kalyra Belair Village. The following list highlights those most likely to be 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.

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

Netherby has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.0% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%.

Employment grew by an estimated 2.6% over the past year. As of June 2025868 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 65.7%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 8.7%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7 as per the Census, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, labour force grew by 2.7%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Netherby's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Netherby's median income among taxpayers is $62,866, with an average of $99,372. This places Netherby in the top percentile nationally, compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $70,932 (median) and $112,121 (average). The 2021 Census ranks Netherby's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 81st and 91st percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Netherby differs from metropolitan trends, with the largest segment being 29.3% earning $4000+ weekly (448 residents). Higher earners comprise a substantial presence at 41.0%, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 89.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 9th decile.

Netherby displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Netherby's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.4% houses and 33.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Netherby stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.2% and rented ones at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,992. Median weekly rent in Netherby was $380, compared to Adelaide metro's $335. Nationally, Netherby's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.1% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.9%, with lone person households at 20.1% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

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

Netherby's educational attainment is notably high with 52.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing SA's 25.7% and the SA4 region's 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 32.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.9%) and graduate diplomas (6.1%). Vocational pathways account for 18.8%, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates also at 9.4%. Educational participation is high, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.4% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 8.1% in tertiary education.

Unley High School and Urrbrae Agricultural High School serve a total of 2,720 students in the area. The ICSEA score for socio-educational conditions is above average at 1080. Secondary education dominates with two schools, while primary students typically attend nearby catchment schools. Netherby functions as an education hub with 177.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 21.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Netherby has 14 operational public transport stops. These are served by a mix of bus routes, totaling 30 different services. This results in 1,303 weekly passenger trips.

Residential accessibility to these stops is rated good, with an average distance of 254 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency averages 186 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 93 weekly trips per individual stop.

Netherby's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Netherby's health outcomes show excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,013 people), compared to 58.5% across Greater Adelaide and 55.3% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.7 and 6.4% of residents respectively.

A majority of residents, 74.9%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Greater Adelaide. Netherby has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.6% (346 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 21.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Netherby are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Netherby, as per the data, showed above-average cultural diversity with 23.1% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion in Netherby, accounting for 51.8% of the population. Notably, Buddhism was overrepresented in Netherby compared to Greater Adelaide, with 2.1% versus 1.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.4%), Australian (20.5%), and Scottish (7.9%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included South African (1.7% vs regional 0.4%), Sri Lankan (0.9% vs 0.2%), and German (6.0% vs 5.9%).

Netherby hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Netherby is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Netherby has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 13.6% to 15.1%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 7.4% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group declined from 11.5% to 10.2%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 12.9% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show that the 75-84 age group will grow by 32% (43 people), reaching 178 from 134. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting Netherby's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.