Norwood (SA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Norwood, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb's population is estimated at around 7,175 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 821 people (12.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,354 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,077, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024, and an additional 186 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,246 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Norwood's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.1%), along with the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 997 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Norwood had approximately 64 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 322 homes. As of FY-26, five approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodated around 2.1 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was approximately $759,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $115.3 million, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Norwood's construction rate was 50.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New development consisted of 23.0% detached dwellings and 77.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 117 people per approval, Norwood reflected a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Norwood is projected to gain 827 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Norwood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects that could impact this area. Major initiatives include Osmond Terrace Mixed-Use Development, Glenside Development, Norwood Oval Redevelopment, and The Parade Quarter. The following details projects likely to have the greatest relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Norwood demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Norwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% over the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, 4,144 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Norwood is 64.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, employment levels in professional & technical services are at 2.0 times the regional average.

Manufacturing has limited presence with 4.0% employment compared to 7.0% regionally. There is a ratio of 1.2 workers for every resident, indicating Norwood functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the past year, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% with a marginal rise in unemployment. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Norwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that income in Norwood is exceptionally high nationally. The median assessed income is $62,991 while the average income stands at $95,216. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $71,073 (median) and $107,432 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 78th percentile ($1,002 weekly), while household income sits at the 50th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 30.3% of locals (2,174 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.8% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 50th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

The latest census evaluation revealed that Norwood's dwelling structure comprised 34.8% houses and 65.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 51.7% houses and 48.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Norwood was at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.5% and rented ones at 46.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Adelaide metro's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Norwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 54.8% of all households, including 17.8% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.2%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households at 6.9%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

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

Norwood's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 53.6% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in the Greater Adelaide area. This advantage positions Norwood well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%).

Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 11.8%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing secondary education. Norwood's three schools have a combined enrollment of 565 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1117. The educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 7.9 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 32.6, leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 29 active public transport stops in Norwood, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by 31 individual routes, offering a total of 2,381 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 188 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 340 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 82 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Norwood is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Norwood exhibits superior health outcomes with both youth and elderly cohorts reporting low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 65% of Norwood's total population (4,630 people) has private health cover, surpassing Greater Adelaide's 61.4% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Norwood, affecting 8.7% and 7.4% of residents respectively.

A total of 70.8% of Norwood residents claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 70.4%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.1% (1,585 people) compared to Greater Adelaide's 20.9%. Notably, health outcomes among Norwood's senior residents are particularly robust, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

Norwood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Norwood's population, as per data from June 2016, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 24.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Norwood, accounting for 40.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism, which constituted 0.2% of Norwood's population, was proportionally similar to Greater Adelaide's 0.2%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.8%), Australian (17.7%), and Other (9.0%). Some ethnic groups showed variations in representation: Hungarian at 0.5% in Norwood compared to 0.3% regionally, Italian at 7.0% versus 11.1%, and Polish at 1.0% against 0.9%.

Norwood's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Norwood is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 19.2% of Norwood's population, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 age cohort makes up 7.5%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Adelaide. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.6% of Norwood's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.8% to 8.2%. However, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 12.4% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Norwood. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 119%, reaching 393 people from a base of 179, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting Norwood's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 age cohort is projected to decline by 16 people.