Osborne (SA)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Osborne (SA) is around 1,996 people. This reflects a growth of 45 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,951. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,986 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and four additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,405 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 47.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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. These projections were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Osborne (SA) is expected to increase its population by 191 persons to reach 2,187 by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of 12.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Osborne recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Osborne has seen around 3 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 16 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 6.4 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating supply is substantially lagging demand. Consequently, buyer competition is heightened, leading to pricing pressures.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $479,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $1.9 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Osborne records markedly lower building activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. However, construction activity has intensified recently.

Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Osborne's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 369 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Population forecasts indicate Osborne will gain 239 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Osborne has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Fort Largs Redevelopment, Largs Reserve Clubrooms Redevelopment, Largs Bay Playspace and Facilities Upgrade, and Our Port. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Osborne faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Osborne has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent in essential services. Its unemployment rate was 8.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of June 2025947 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Adelaide's at 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 58.3%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing has a strong presence with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force grew by 2.7%, raising unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Osborne's industry mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.2% in five years and 13.1% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Osborne is below the national average. The median assessed income is $48,449 and the average income stands at $56,715. 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 for Osborne would be approximately $54,665 (median) and $63,992 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes in Osborne fall between the 19th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.3% of residents (644 people), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Osborne, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

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

Osborne's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Osborne was at 27.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.3% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,468, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Osborne's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Osborne has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 23.5% couples without children, and 17.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.9%). A total of 24.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 9.6% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment area, requiring families to access schools in neighboring regions.

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

Osborne has 13 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 10 routes that together facilitate 488 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents usually located 165 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 69 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Osborne is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Osborne faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~987 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and asthma (10.5%). However, 59.2% report having no medical ailments, lower than Greater Adelaide's 66.1%. Osborne has 19.7% (393 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Senior health outcomes present challenges similar to the general population's health profile.

Osborne ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Osborne's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 82.9% having been born in Australia. Citizenship was high at 91.6%, and English was spoken exclusively at home by 92.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 42.5% of Osborne residents.

Islam, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 1.5% versus a regional average of 3.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English at 32.8%, Australian at 26.1%, and Scottish at 7.1%. Notably, Polish (1.5%), Welsh (0.8%), and German (5.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

The median age in Osborne is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 35-44 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.1% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up 12.4%. From 2021 to present, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has grown from 10.0% to 11.6%, while the percentage of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 13.9% to 12.7% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age cohort is expected to increase by 68 people (46%), growing from 147 to 216 individuals. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is projected to grow by a modest 4%, adding 4 people.