O'Sullivan Beach

O'Sullivan Beach is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of O'Sullivan Beach is around 1,991. This figure reflects an increase of 147 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,844. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,977 as per their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,070 persons per square kilometer. O'Sullivan Beach's growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA3 area (4.9%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed about 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for national areas, with O'Sullivan Beach expected to increase by 286 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within O'Sullivan Beach when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, O'Sullivan Beach has averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 91 homes. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, 1.6 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed. However, this figure has decreased to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $350,000.

In FY-26, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Adelaide, O'Sullivan Beach has 97.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium and high-density housing. This marks a shift from the current housing pattern of 94.0% houses. The location has approximately 108 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, O'Sullivan Beach is expected to grow by 239 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

O'Sullivan Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Port Stanvac Precinct, Noarlunga Residential Development, Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project, and Sunset Residential Development, with the following list detailing those most likely to be relevant.

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Employment drivers in O'Sullivan Beach are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

O'Sullivan Beach has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.4% as of June 2025, and estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year. The area had 835 residents employed while its unemployment rate was 4.4%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in O'Sullivan Beach was 52.0%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with construction being particularly notable at 1.8 times the regional average. Professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6 as of the Census, indicating a higher level of local employment opportunities.

Over the past year, employment increased by 2.7%, labour force grew by 2.4%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points in O'Sullivan Beach. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to O'Sullivan Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows O'Sullivan Beach had a median taxpayer income of $43,761 and an average income of $50,224. Nationally, the median was $52,592 and the average was $64,886 in Greater Adelaide. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,376 (median) and $56,668 (average), based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census places O'Sullivan Beach's household, family, and personal incomes between the 5th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 30.7% of residents (611 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.8%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 6th percentile nationally.

O'Sullivan Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in O'Sullivan Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in O'Sullivan Beach stood at 34.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,452 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in O'Sullivan Beach was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $314 and the national figure of $375.

O'Sullivan Beach features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.3% of all households, consisting of 19.5% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in O'Sullivan Beach fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates of 11.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (32.9%).

A substantial 22.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.1% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 3.0% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Southern Montessori School and O'Sullivan Beach Primary School, serving a total of 292 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1013) with balanced educational opportunities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 16 active stops operating within O'Sullivan Beach, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two individual routes, collectively facilitating 264 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 37 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across O'Sullivan Beach. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~933 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, impacting 12.0% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 11.0%. However, 54.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (475 people), which is higher than the 21.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

O'Sullivan Beach had a cultural diversity rating below average, with 79.9% of its population born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 33.0% of people in O'Sullivan Beach. The most significant overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.8% compared to 0.7% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.5%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (6.8%). Notably, German (6.1%) and Welsh (0.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 5.4% and 0.8%, respectively. South African ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.5%.

O'Sullivan Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in O'Sullivan Beach is 44 years, which is notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also exceeds the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the 65-74 age cohort is significantly over-represented in O'Sullivan Beach at 13.6%, while those aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of individuals aged 35 to 44 has grown from 13.1% to 14.6%, whereas the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 12.4% to 11.1%. By the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes for O'Sullivan Beach. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow notably, increasing by 40 people (19%) from 221 to 262. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group is projected to experience more modest growth of 9%, adding only 9 residents.