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 for the Osborne (SA) statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,012, reflecting an increase of 61 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,951. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,985 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. The Osborne (SA) (SA2) has a population density ratio of 1,416 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 47.0% of 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, the Osborne (SA) (SA2) is expected to increase by 189 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Osborne according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Osborne has had around 3 new homes approved each year over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 16 homes. In FY-26, so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.4 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually during this period.

However, supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new dwellings is $479,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $7.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting Osborne's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Osborne has markedly lower building activity, being 81.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining Osborne's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (85.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 580 people per dwelling approval, Osborne reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Osborne is expected to grow by 221 residents through to 2041, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases if current development rates continue.

Osborne has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to influence this region. Key projects are Fort Largs Redevelopment, Largs Reserve Clubrooms Redevelopment, Largs Bay Playspace and Facilities Upgrade, and Our Port. 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.

Osborne shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Osborne's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.3% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year.

Residents' key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Transport, postal & warehousing shows particular concentration, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area's workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 58.3%, while Greater Adelaide's rate is 61.7%.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.4% and labour force by 3.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years for Osborne, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Osborne's median income among taxpayers is $48,449. The average income in Osborne was $56,715 during this period. Both figures are below the national averages. Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 in the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth rates, estimated median and average incomes for Osborne as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,713 and $61,706 respectively. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, income levels in Osborne fall between the 19th and 22nd percentiles nationally. The dominant income bracket in Osborne is $1,500 - $2,999, with 32.3% of residents (649 people) falling into this category, similar to the metropolitan region at 31.8%. 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 comparison, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Osborne was at 27.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (40.3%) or rented (32.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Osborne was $1,468, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Osborne 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 account for 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 constitute 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 among residents aged 15+, with 39.2% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.9%). A total of 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 9.6% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 13 active stops operating within Osborne, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 10 individual routes, collectively providing 491 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per 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. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of Osborne's total population (~994 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in Osborne are arthritis (11.4%) and asthma (10.5%), while 59.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Adelaide. Osborne has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (396 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with 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 shows low cultural diversity, with 82.9% born in Australia and 91.6% being citizens. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.0%. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 42.5% of Osborne residents.

Islam, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide (1.5% vs 3.3%). Ancestry-wise, English (32.8%) and Australian (26.1%) are substantially higher than regional averages (25.0% and 21.1%, respectively). Scottish ancestry comprises 7.1%. Notably, Polish (1.5%), Welsh (0.8%), and German (5.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional figures of 1.4%, 0.5%, and 4.5%, respectively.

Osborne's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Osborne is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are most prominent at 15.2%, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 12.4% compared to Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and present, the population of those aged 15-24 has grown from 10.0% to 11.6%. Conversely, the age group of 55-64 has declined from 13.9% to 12.7%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate a significant increase in the 75-84 age cohort, with an addition of 66 people (a 44% rise) from 148 to 215. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 3 people (a 3% increase).