Ottoway

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

As of Nov 2025, Ottoway's population is estimated at around 3,000, reflecting an increase of 217 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), which stood at 2,926 including 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,290 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ottoway's growth of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.1%) and metropolitan area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% 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 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Ottoway, with the area expected to increase by 515 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 17.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Ottoway when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ottoway has received approximately 21 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 106 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. This results in around 2.9 people moving to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value of new homes is $363,000. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Ottoway has 11.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks at the 54th percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 44.0% detached houses and 56.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 74.0% houses. The location has approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. Future projections estimate Ottoway to add 519 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, benefiting buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

No infrastructure changes significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 0 relevant projects. Notable ones are Our Port, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Phase Three, North South Corridor, and Adelaide Level Crossing Congestion and Safety initiatives.

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.

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

Ottoway has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 8.9%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 1.8%, as aggregated by AreaSearch from statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,397 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower in Ottoway at 57.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries for employment among residents included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food.

Manufacturing had a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training had limited presence at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ottoway's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.8% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Ottoway's median income among taxpayers was $42,997 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $47,135 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Adelaide's median and average incomes were $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on a 12.83% growth in wages since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $48,514 (median) and $53,182 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Ottoway fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 32.9% of Ottoway's population (986 individuals) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, which is similar to the national figure for this income range. Housing affordability pressures in Ottoway are severe, with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Ottoway is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As of the latest Census evaluation in Ottoway, dwelling structures consisted of 73.8% houses and 26.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ottoway was at 27.6%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (37.4%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ottoway was $1,408, lower than the Adelaide metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Ottoway was recorded at $275, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Ottoway's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ottoway features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 66.9% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 17.4% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Ottoway fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 23.6%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary.

St Joseph's School serves Ottoway, with an enrollment of 170 students. It offers primary education only, with secondary options nearby. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 989) and balanced educational opportunities. School places per 100 residents are 5.7, below the regional average of 8.9, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Ottoway has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 684 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 246 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 97 trips per day, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Ottoway are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Ottoway's health indicators show below-average outcomes, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,370 people), compared to 49.8% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.5% and 8.2% of residents respectively.

However, 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (486 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

Ottoway is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ottoway has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.6% of its population born overseas and 46.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ottoway, making up 43.3% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's average, comprising 12.9% of Ottoway's population.

The top three ancestry groups in Ottoway are English (17.3%), Australian (16.0%), and Vietnamese (15.4%). Notably, Polish (2.4%) and Filipino (5.9%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Russian remains at the same level as the region's average (0.6%).

Ottoway's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Ottoway is 36, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Ottoway has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.7%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the age group 35-44 increased from 13.0% to 14.5%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group decreased from 13.1% to 10.9%, and the 45-54 group fell from 13.8% to 12.7%. By 2041, Ottoway's population is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 29%, adding 110 people and reaching a total of 491 from 381. The 0-4 age group is forecast to grow at a more modest rate of 8%, with an increase of just 14 residents.