Novar Gardens

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

The suburb of Novar Gardens had an estimated population of 2,795 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 287 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,508. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,630 in June 2024 and three validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,588 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Novar Gardens' growth rate of 11.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state's rate of 9.0% and that of Greater Adelaide. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch uses 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 712 persons to reach 3,507 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 20.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Novar Gardens when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Novar Gardens had approximately 15 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 77 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value of new properties was $379,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

This financial year, $8.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Novar Gardens' primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Novar Gardens has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area. Recent periods have seen increased development activity. New developments consist of 37.0% detached dwellings and 63.0% attached dwellings, a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 80.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With around 119 people per dwelling approval, Novar Gardens exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Novar Gardens to add 562 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, but increasing population may intensify competition among buyers.

Novar Gardens has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include Tram Grade Separation at Marion Road and Cross Road, Plympton; River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project, Morphettville Racecourse Redevelopment; and Tram Grade Separation Projects. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Novar Gardens performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Novar Gardens has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7%. As of September 2025, 1,336 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Novar Gardens was 59.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 15.7% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, finance & insurance employment levels are at 1.5 times the regional average, while manufacturing shows lower representation at 5.6%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 5.7% alongside labour force growth of 5.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Adelaide's employment and labour force growth of 3.0% and 2.9% respectively, with a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Novar Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

In financial year 2023, Novar Gardens' median taxpayer income was $41,809 and average income stood at $49,864. Nationally, the averages were $54,808 and $66,852 for Greater Adelaide. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,488 (median) and $54,252 (average), based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Novar Gardens' household income ranked at the 33rd percentile ($1,468 weekly) and personal income at the 15th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captured 26.5% of individuals (740). Income distribution showed polarization: 31.2% in lower brackets (<$800/week), 22.7% in higher brackets (>$3,000/week). After housing costs, 86.3% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Novar Gardens is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Novar Gardens had 79.8% houses and 20.2% other dwellings as per the latest Census, compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Novar Gardens was 39.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,060, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Novar Gardens was $165, lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Novar Gardens' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,060 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Novar Gardens has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.3% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.7%, with lone person households making up 27.0% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Novar Gardens exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Novar Gardens trail regional benchmarks, with 27.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 35.4% in the SA3 area. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (19.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in secondary education, 8.6% in primary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Novar Gardens has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 1,959 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located just 195 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 88%, while cycling accounts for 3%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 279 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 130 weekly trips per individual stop.

Novar Gardens's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Novar Gardens residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions align broadly with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,306 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and asthma (8.5%). 64.5% of residents declare they are completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. There are 24.8% of residents aged 65 and over (693 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors rank particularly high, even better than the general population nationally.

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

Novar Gardens demonstrated above-average cultural diversity, with 21.8% of its population born overseas and 17.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Novar Gardens, accounting for 50.1% of residents. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 0.4% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (28.1%), Australian (24.8%), and Other (7.8%). Significant disparities existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: German at 6.2% (regional average: 5.1%), Serbian at 0.6% (regional average: 0.4%), and Greek at 2.5% (regional average: 2.0%).

Novar Gardens hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Novar Gardens has a median age of 45 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.1% of Novar Gardens' population, compared to Greater Adelaide. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.5%, which is less prevalent than in Greater Adelaide. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 7.9% to 9.5%, while the 35-44 cohort has risen from 10.4% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has decreased from 3.1% to 2.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Novar Gardens' age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 38%, adding 107 residents to reach a total of 390.