Parafield Gardens

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

The Parafield Gardens statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of 18,634 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 167 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,467. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 18,614 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,650 persons per square kilometer, placing Parafield Gardens (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Parafield Gardens has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch's projections for each SA2 area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 using 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas. Parafield Gardens (SA2) is expected to expand by 846 persons to reach a total population of 20,410 by the year 2041, reflecting an increase of 4.4% over the 17-year period from 2025 to 2041.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Parafield Gardens recorded around 65 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 325 homes. As of April 2026, 28 approvals have been recorded in this financial year. On average, 0.5 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25.

New construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that could surpass current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $279,000. In this financial year, commercial approvals totalled $13.6 million, 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 established nature with potential planning limitations.

New building activity comprises 85.0% standalone homes and 15.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 384 people per dwelling approval, Parafield Gardens indicates a developed market. The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Parafield Gardens to add 826 residents by 2041. Current construction levels 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 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include The Glades, Parafield Gardens (Stage 8+), Mawson Lakes Road Management Plan, Public Housing Builds in Parafield Gardens, and Gardenia Drive Aged Care Expansion. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 5.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year.

There are 8,423 residents currently employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate is lower at 57.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have a lower representation of 3.6% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 1.2%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 3.0% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parafield Gardens's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Parafield Gardens' median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $46,236. The average level stood at $50,323. Both figures are below the national average of $54,808 and Greater Adelaide's levels of $66,852. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $50,305 and average income $54,751, based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 27th percentile ($1,384 weekly), while personal income sits at the 10th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 34.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,410 residents). Housing affordability pressures are 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Parafield Gardens, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parafield Gardens was at 28.8%, similar to Adelaide metro, with the rest being mortgaged (41.9%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,382, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Parafield Gardens was $300, matching Adelaide metro's figure. Nationally, Parafield Gardens' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,382 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $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, including 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 2.7.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 18.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This figure presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (22.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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. These are a mix of train and bus stations. There are 18 different routes serving these stops, providing a total of 1,098 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located 206 meters from their nearest stop. On average, there are 156 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Parafield Gardens are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Parafield Gardens shows lower-than-average health outcomes, with common conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than national averages for older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% (~8,746 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.0 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 70.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2021, 15.8% (2,944 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader 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, accounting for 36.4% of the population. However, Buddhism is more prevalent here compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 7.6% versus 5.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Parafield Gardens are Other (22.4%), English (20.2%), and Australian (19.3%). Notably, Vietnamese (5.9%) and Indian (6.1%) populations are higher than the regional averages of 3.1% and 3.2%, respectively. Additionally, Polish representation is slightly higher at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 1.1%.

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

The median age in Parafield Gardens is 36 years, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also below the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Parafield Gardens has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.3%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 4.7% to 5.3%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 14.0% to 13.3%. By 2041, Parafield Gardens is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 14%, reaching 2,366 people from 2,068. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 68% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups.