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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Ottoway are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Ottoway is around 2,763. This reflects a decrease from the previous count of 2,783 people recorded in the Census of 2021. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of resident population using ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025. This results in a population density ratio of 2,109 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth in the suburb was overseas migration, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.
However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. AreaSearch's projections for Ottoway are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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, released in 2023 using 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Ottoway. The suburb is projected to increase its population by 434 persons to reach a total of 3,197 people by the year 2041. This reflects a 15.7% increase over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Ottoway among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Ottoway has experienced around 23 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 118 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.7 people moved to the area per new home constructed. New homes are built at an average expected construction cost value of $363,000.
This financial year has seen $10.2 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Ottoway maintains similar development levels per person. Current development consists of 47.0% detached dwellings and 53.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the existing housing pattern of 74.0% houses. With around 133 people per approval, Ottoway reflects a low density area. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Ottoway's population to grow by 434 residents.
Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ottoway
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Ottoway has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally
No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects comprise Our Port, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Phase Three, North South Corridor, and Adelaide Level Crossing Removal Planning Program. Below is a list detailing those likely most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
A national program to coordinate and deploy the enabling infrastructure required to support large-scale renewable hydrogen production across Australia. Building on the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA), the program aligns electricity transmission, water supply, transport corridors, port and storage infrastructure with Renewable Energy Zones and prospective hydrogen hubs (Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley, Pilbara). Two key federal mechanisms underpin delivery. The Hydrogen Headstart program provides up to 4 billion AUD in long-term revenue support via production credits, with Round 2 (2 billion AUD administered by ARENA) opening for Expressions of Interest in October 2025 with EOIs closing 8 December 2025. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (HPTI), legislated through the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025, provides an uncapped refundable tax offset of 2 AUD per kilogram of eligible renewable hydrogen for up to 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040 for projects reaching final investment decision by 2030. The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and Clean Energy Regulator and requires certification under the Guarantee of Origin scheme. Round 1 of Hydrogen Headstart shortlisted six projects representing more than 3.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, with 814 million AUD ultimately awarded.
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme
The Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) is a recycled water scheme delivering high-quality treated water from the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant to agribusinesses across the Northern Adelaide Plains. Stage 1 infrastructure was built to provide up to 12 gigalitres per year of climate-independent recycled water for horticulture, floriculture, fruit and nut orchards, table and wine grapes, and high-value broad-acre crops, with the network designed to enable future expansion to 20 gigalitres. Key infrastructure includes an advanced water recycling plant at Bolivar, a transfer pipeline, pump stations, an above-ground earth-banked storage at Korunye, managed aquifer recharge, and a distribution network with farm-gate connection points. Construction began in 2018 and the scheme is operational. As of 2025 around 35 per cent of the contracted volume has been sold, and SA Water has been undertaking a review to assess current and forecast demand and identify potential opportunities for the scheme.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access
State-led program work to increase public transport capacity and access to, through and within central Adelaide. Current work is focused on the City Access Strategy (20-year movement plan for the CBD and North Adelaide) and the State Transport Strategy program, which together will shape options such as bus priority, interchange upgrades, tram and rail enhancements, and better first/last mile access.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
Adelaide Level Crossing Removal Planning Program
A joint Australian and South Australian Government program to conduct planning studies at priority at-grade level crossing locations across metropolitan Adelaide, and establish a ten-year Level Crossing Removal Program. Adelaide has 126 at-grade level crossings where boom gates can be closed for up to 25% of peak traffic periods. Priority sites under active planning include Cormack Road (Wingfield), Kings Road (Parafield), and Park Terrace (Salisbury). The program commenced in early 2022 and is expected to be completed by late 2026, with the first major removal project - Curtis Road, Munno Para - announced in May 2025 with a $250 million joint funding commitment and construction starting by 2027.
Northern Adelaide Transport Study
A comprehensive transport study managed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to inform future investment across Northern Adelaide's inner and outer suburbs. The study area spans from Prospect to Roseworthy and Buckland Park to One Tree Hill, focusing on road safety, freight efficiency, and public transport integration to support a projected population increase of over 140,000 residents by 2041. It specifically evaluates the resilience of strategic road corridors and identifies improvements to active transport networks to accommodate rapid urban expansion.
Employment
Employment performance in Ottoway has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally
Ottoway has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented in the city. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 6.9%.
Over the past year, there has been an estimated employment growth of 3.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In Ottoway, 1,272 residents are currently employed while the unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Ottoway lags behind Greater Adelaide's rate, with 59.7% compared to 66.0%. According to Census responses, only 4.4% of residents work from home.
The leading employment industries among Ottoway residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food services. The area has a particular specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share that is 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training employs only 4.1% of local workers, which is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 9.3%. The predominantly residential nature of Ottoway suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels in Ottoway increased by 3.3%, while the labour force grew by 1.6%. This resulted in a decrease of 1.6 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a smaller reduction in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Ottoway. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across different industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ottoway's current employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.8% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ottoway had a median income among taxpayers of $42,997. The average income stood at $47,135. This is lower than the national average, which was $54,808 in Greater Adelaide and $66,852 overall. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ottoway's median income would be approximately $47,370 as of March 2026, with the average being around $51,929. Census 2021 data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ottoway fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 32.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 909 residents falling into this category. This pattern is also seen in the broader area where 31.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ottoway, with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Ottoway is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Dwelling structure in Ottoway, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28th August 2016, comprised 73.8% houses and 26.2% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metropolitan area had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Ottoway stood at 27.6%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 37.4% and rented dwellings making up 35.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ottoway was $1,408 as of 2016, lower than the Adelaide metropolitan average of $1,562. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Ottoway was recorded at $275 compared to Adelaide metro's $320 during this period. Nationally, Ottoway's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Ottoway features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 66.9% of all households, including couples with children at 29.5%, couples without children at 17.4%, and single parent families at 17.2%. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are common, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (23.6%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, with 9.6% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Ottoway has 14 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 8 different routes, collectively facilitating 686 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents' average distance to the nearest stop being 246 meters. As predominantly residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode at 90%, while buses account for 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.
According to the 2021 Census, 4.4% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 98 trips daily, translating to roughly 49 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Ottoway is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
AreaSearch's assessment shows Ottoway faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,262 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.
Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.5% and 8.2% of residents respectively. However, 68.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (461 people), lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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, accounting for 43.3% of people. However, Buddhism stands out as being significantly overrepresented compared to the Greater Adelaide average, comprising 12.9% of Ottoway's population.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Ottoway are English at 17.3%, Australian at 16.0%, and Vietnamese at 15.4%. These figures are notably lower for English and Australian but substantially higher for Vietnamese compared to regional averages. There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups, with Polish at 2.4% (vs regional average of 1.0%), Filipino at 5.9% (vs 1.0%), and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
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 also lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Ottoway has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.3%) but fewer people aged 75-84 (4.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 3.6% to 4.9%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 13.0% to 14.2%. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 55-64 has decreased from 13.1% to 10.6%, and those aged 45-54 have dropped from 13.8% to 12.2%. By 2041, Ottoway's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 29%, adding 98 people and reaching a total of 436. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is expected to grow at a more modest pace, with an increase of just 3% or 6 residents.