Parafield Gardens

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Parafield Gardens' population is estimated at around 18,612 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 145 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,467 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,589, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,647 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parafield Gardens has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of Australian statistical areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 766 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.0% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Parafield Gardens according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Parafield Gardens has recorded approximately 65 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), totalling an estimated 325 homes. By June 2026, 62 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period. This pace of new construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth.

The average expected construction cost value of these new properties was $279,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $13.6 million have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Parafield Gardens maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas and suggesting potential planning limitations. Regarding housing types, 85.0% of new building activity consists of standalone homes, while 15.0% comprises medium and high-density housing.

This maintains the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 384 people per dwelling approval, Parafield Gardens shows a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 743 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Parafield Gardens has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include The Glades, Parafield Gardens (Stage 8+), Mawson Lakes Road Management Plan, Public Housing Builds in Parafield Gardens, and Gardenia Drive Aged Care Expansion. Below is a list of those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Parafield Gardens shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Parafield Gardens has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the previous year was estimated at 1.3%.

As of December 2025, 8,412 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Parafield Gardens was 59.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Only 5.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3% while the labour force grew by 1.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2%, the labour force grow by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parafield Gardens' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

In financial year 2023, Parafield Gardens had a median taxpayer income of $46,236 and an average income of $50,323. These figures are lower than the national averages of $54,808 for Greater Adelaide's median income and $66,852 for its average income. By March 2026, adjusted for a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,938 (median) and $55,441 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Parafield Gardens' household income ranked at the 27th percentile ($1,384 weekly), with personal income at the 10th percentile. Income analysis showed that the largest segment was 34.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,402 residents). This pattern is similar to the broader area where 31.8% fell within this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 27th percentile.

Parafield Gardens is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Parafield Gardens, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parafield Gardens was 28.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.9% and rented ones at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,382, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Parafield Gardens was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

Parafield Gardens has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.8% of all households, consisting of 38.1% couples with children, 21.9% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them. This includes advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (22.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises 11.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Parafield Gardens has 71 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 18 routes, collectively providing 1,098 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 206 meters, indicating good transport accessibility. The area, predominantly residential, sees most residents commuting outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 91%, with bus at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 5.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 156 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Parafield Gardens faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is notably low at approximately 47% (~8,736 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.0% and 7.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 70.2% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,089 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Parafield Gardens has a high level of cultural diversity, with 42.5% of its population born overseas and 46.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Parafield Gardens, making up 36.4% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented, comprising 7.6% compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (22.4%), English (20.2%), and Australian (19.3%). Notably, Vietnamese (5.9%) and Indian (6.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Parafield Gardens compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 2.3%, respectively.

Parafield Gardens's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Parafield Gardens is 36 years, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also slightly lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Parafield Gardens has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (13.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 4.7% to 5.6%, while the proportion of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, Parafield Gardens is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 14%, reaching a total of 2,356 people from 2,065. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 67% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.