Para Hills West

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, the estimated population of Para Hills West as of November 2025 is around 3,522. This reflects an increase of 227 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,295. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 3,517 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,290 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Para Hills West's growth of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 3.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for Para Hills West, with an expected expansion by 187 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Para Hills West when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Para Hills West has experienced around 45 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 227 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.5 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating that supply is meeting or surpassing demand.

The average construction value of new properties is $329,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In terms of commercial development, $4.5 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial projects compared to residential ones. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Para Hills West has 278.0% more building activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (70.0% at Census), indicating persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends.

The location has approximately 64 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections show Para Hills West adding 39 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Para Hills West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Springbank Waters Residential Estate, The Heights Estate Para Hills, Keswick Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, and Para Hills West Urban Renewal Precinct. Relevant projects are detailed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Para Hills West faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Para Hills West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services.

The unemployment rate is 5.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of June 2025, 1,520 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Para Hills West is lower at 55.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 3.8% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 0.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 0.6 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by the same rate, with a marginal rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Para Hills West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that median income in Para Hills West is $42,365 and average income is $48,039. This is lower than Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, estimated median income in Para Hills West would be approximately $47,800 and average income around $54,202. Census 2021 data reveals that incomes in Para Hills West fall between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income bracket is $800 - $1,499, with 30.0% of locals earning within this range (1,056 people), unlike metropolitan Adelaide where 31.8% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Para Hills West, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Para Hills West, as per the latest Census, had 70.2% houses and 29.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Para Hills West was at 25.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented ones at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Adelaide metro's average. Median weekly rent was $275, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Para Hills West's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Para Hills West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.2% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 21.5% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households making up 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

Para Hills West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has university qualification rates at 15.9%, significantly below Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 27.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education. Para Hills High School and Para Hills West Primary School serve a total of 830 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 951) with balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub, offering 23.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.9, and attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Para Hills West has 21 operational public transport stops. These are served by buses along 17 different routes. The total weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes is 1,112.

Residents' access to transport is rated as good, with an average distance of 277 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 158 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Para Hills West is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Para Hills West faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 46% (about 1,621 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.8% and 8.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.5% (686 people), than Greater Adelaide's 16.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, mirroring the general population's health profile.

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

Para Hills West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. The predominant religion in Para Hills West is Christianity, accounting for 35.9% of the population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprises 4.4% of the population, higher than the regional average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (25.7%), Australian (22.2%), and Other (17.0%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Polish is overrepresented at 1.2% compared to 1.1% regionally, Serbian remains similar at 0.5%, and Indian is higher at 4.4% versus 3.2%.

Para Hills West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Para Hills West has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, the 35-44 age cohort is notably over-represented in Para Hills West at 14.7%, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. Between 2021 and present day, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.3% to 14.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Para Hills West's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 72 people (71%), from 102 to 175. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.