Ottoway

Population growth drivers in Ottoway are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Ottoway's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 3,331. This shows an increase of 548 people from the 2021 Census figure of 2,783, reflecting a growth rate of 19.7%. AreaSearch estimated Ottoway's resident population at 2,975 in Jun 2024 using ERP data and validated new addresses. This results in a density ratio of 2,542 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. The growth rate exceeded both state (8.7%) and metropolitan area averages, marking Ottoway as a growth leader regionally. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category from 2023 are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for the area, with an expected increase of 513 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Ottoway among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ottoway had around 23 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 117 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.7 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes had an average construction cost value of $363,000.

This financial year has seen $10.2 million in commercial approvals registered. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Ottoway's development levels per person are similar, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. Detached dwellings made up 47.0% and attached dwellings 53.0% of new developments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 74.0% houses. With around 137 people per approval, Ottoway reflects a developing area. AreaSearch projects Ottoway's population to grow by 186 residents by 2041.

Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth.

Ottoway has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this area. Notable initiatives are: Our Port, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Phase Three, North-South Corridor, and Adelaide Level Crossings Congestion and Safety Improvement Project.

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.

Employment performance in Ottoway has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Ottoway maintains a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 8.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, Ottoway has 1,437 residents employed, while its unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, which is 0.4 percentage points higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Ottoway is lower at 57.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment industries among Ottoway residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation & food services. Notably, manufacturing employs a disproportionately high share of the workforce, at 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, education & training employs only 4.1% of local workers, significantly lower than Greater Adelaide's 9.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Ottoway saw an increase in employment levels by 4.3% and labour force by 4.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with a fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows South Australia's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, and the state unemployment rate is at 4.0%. This outperforms the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with South Australia's employment growth surpassing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that overall employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Ottoway's specific employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.8% 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the 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 in this period. Nationally, median and average incomes were higher at $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,781. The estimated average income by that date is $51,283. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ottoway all fall between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 32.9% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with a total of 1,095 individuals in this income range. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 31.8% occupy this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ottoway, 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

The dwelling structure in Ottoway, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 73.8% houses and 26.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ottoway was at 27.6%, aligning with Adelaide metro's figure, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.4%) or rented (35.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ottoway was $1,408, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households at 4.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 also prevalent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (23.6%). Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (9.6%), secondary education (6.7%), and tertiary education (5.5%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 14 operational transport stops in Ottoway, offering mixed bus services. Eight unique routes serve these stops, facilitating a total of 686 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 246 meters from the closest stop.

Service frequency averages 98 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 49 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 shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 1,521 people), contrasting with Greater Adelaide's 50.3% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 8.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.2%.

About 68.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.1% in Greater Adelaide. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 16.2%, totaling 539 people, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%.

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, comprising 43.3% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to the Greater Adelaide average, making up 12.9% of Ottoway's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (17.3%), Australian (16.0%), and Vietnamese (15.4%). While English and Australian ancestry are lower than regional averages, Vietnamese ancestry is substantially higher. Other notable ethnic group representations include Polish at 2.4%, Filipino at 5.9%, and Russian at 0.6%.

Ottoway's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Ottoway is 36 years, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also lower than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Ottoway has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 13.0% to 14.5%, while the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.6% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 13.1% to 11.0%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.6%. By 2041, Ottoway's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 55% (85 people), reaching 242 from 156. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups.