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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the suburb of Para Hills West's population is estimated at around 3579 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 284 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3295 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3490 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1311 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Para Hills West's growth of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 4.0%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with the suburb expected to expand by 185 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 0.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Para Hills West has seen approximately 43 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 215 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.5 people have moved into the area per dwelling built over these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more choice while supporting potential population growth. The average construction value of new properties is $329,000. In FY-26, there has been $2.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Para Hills West has 258.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (70.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 93 people per dwelling approval, Para Hills West exhibits growth area characteristics. Given expected population stability or decline, there may be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Para Hills West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has 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 listed below.

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

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The labour market performance in Para Hills West lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Para Hills West has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year.

There are 1,513 residents employed currently, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Adelaide's by 1.9%. Workforce participation in Para Hills West lags behind Greater Adelaide at 55.6% compared to 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 6.0% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors among Para Hills West residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized in the area with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.8%, compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The ratio of workers to residents indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Para Hills West saw employment increase by 1.1% alongside labour force growth of 0.6%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced higher employment and labour force growth rates with a smaller drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 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. However, these projections are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Para Hills West's median taxpayer income in financial year 2023 was $42,365, with an average of $48,039 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages; Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852 in the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% suggest median incomes would be approximately $46,093 and averages at $52,266. In Para Hills West, household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 8th and 11th percentiles nationally according to the 2021 Census. The largest income segment comprised 30.0% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 1,073 residents falling into this bracket, unlike regional trends where 31.8% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 had 70.2% houses and 29.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings) as of the latest Census, compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% 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, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent was $275, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Para Hills West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.9% and certificates at 27.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 5.7% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 5.7% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Para Hills West has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,116 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 278 meters of the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 91%, while bus use stands at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 159 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment, conducted on [month day, year]. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 46% (~1,648 people) of the total population has private health cover, compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.8% and 8.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents face particularly notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.5% (697 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely in line with national rankings for the general population.

Para Hills West 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 West has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.3% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Para Hills West, comprising 35.9% of the population. However, there is an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which makes up 4.4% of the population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (25.7%), Australian (22.2%), and Other (17.0%). The latter is significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Polish at 1.2% versus 1.0%, Serbian at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Indian at 4.4% versus 2.3%.

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

Para Hills West has a median age of 38, nearly matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Para Hills West has an over-representation of the 35-44 age cohort (14.6% locally) and an under-representation of the 15-24 age group (11.2%). Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.3% to 14.6%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.8%. By 2041, Para Hills West's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 71 people (69%), from 103 to 175. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 81% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.