Para Hills

An assessment of population growth drivers in Para Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Para Hills statistical area (Lv2) is around 7,124. This figure reflects a growth of 331 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,793. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,970 following examination of ABS data up to June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,219 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Para Hills (SA2) saw a growth rate of 4.9% since the 2021 census, surpassing the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.0%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the Para Hills (SA2) is projected to increase by 351 persons, reflecting an overall growth rate of 2.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Para Hills has received approximately 40 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling about 204 homes. From July 2021 to June 2022 (FY-26), there have been 26 approvals recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.9 people moved to Para Hills for each dwelling built. The average construction cost value of new homes is around $329,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals amounted to approximately $3.3 million. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Para Hills has seen about 63% more new home approvals per capita. Recent construction comprises 91% standalone homes and 9% medium to high-density housing. The population density in Para Hills is around 131 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Para Hills is projected to gain 191 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially exceeding current population growth forecasts.

Para Hills has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Springbank Waters Residential Estate, Keswick Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, The Heights Estate Para Hills, and Para Hills West Urban Renewal Precinct. Relevant details are listed below.

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.

The employment landscape in Para Hills shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Para Hills has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 3,522 residents in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is on par with Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.1% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force increased by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with the state's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Para Hills. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Para Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that the suburb of Para Hills has an income below the national average. The median income is $48,438 and the average income stands at $54,925. In contrast, Greater Adelaide has a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Para Hills would be approximately $52,701 (median) and $59,758 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Para Hills rank modestly, between the 25th and 30th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 36.9% of the population, which consists of 2,628 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This mirrors the region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses.

Para Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Para Hills, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Para Hills was at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.8% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, aligning with Adelaide metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $325 compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Para Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Para Hills has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.3% of all households, including 29.7% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 16.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 23.0% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Para Hills has 58 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 1,853 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated excellent, with residents typically located just 155 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 264 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Para Hills is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Para Hills faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,472 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.8 and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016, 15.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,111 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Para Hills was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Para Hills, as per the census conducted in June 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 32.9% of its population born overseas and 27.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 38.1% of Para Hills' residents. Notably, Islam was overrepresented in Para Hills, comprising 9.6% of the population compared to the regional average of 8.0%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (27.3%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (15.3%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.5%, matching the regional figure for Serbian, while Lebanese were more prevalent at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

Para Hills's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Para Hills is 36 years, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Para Hills has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (15.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (7.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.0% to 15.3%, while the 45-54 age group decreased from 11.8% to 10.8%. By the year 2041, Para Hills is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to increase by 84%, reaching 276 from 149. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 70% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 55-64 and 5-14 years old.