Pasadena

Pasadena has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the population of the suburb of Pasadena is estimated at around 3,254 people. This reflects an increase of 181 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,073 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,188 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,499 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pasadena's growth rate of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area at 5.0%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

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 released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Pasadena, expected to grow by 749 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 23.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Pasadena has averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals annually. An estimated 87 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY20-21 and FY25-26, with a further four approved so far in FY26-27. This averages out to approximately 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling over these five financial years, indicating robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $420,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26-27, $995,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Pasadena has 63.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with new building activity showing 70.0% standalone homes and 30.0% townhouses or apartments.

This indicates an increasing blend of attached housing types, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. With around 500 people per dwelling approval, Pasadena shows a developed market. Looking ahead, Pasadena is expected to grow by 766 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Pasadena has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects expected to influence the area: Hotel Panorama, Panorama Place Estate, Springbank Secondary College upgrade, and Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

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Employment performance in Pasadena ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Pasadena has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

In September 2025, 1,546 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.2% below Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation in Pasadena was 57.2%, significantly lower than Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 14.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, while construction employed only 6.9% of local workers compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.7% alongside labour force growth of 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Pasadena. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variations across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Pasadena's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. Pasadena's median income among taxpayers was $47,298 with an average of $57,892. Nationally, this is lower than average. Greater Adelaide had a median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Pasadena are approximately $51,460 (median) and $62,986 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census ranked Pasadena's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 27th and 28th percentiles. Income analysis showed the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 27.2% of residents (885 people), consistent with surrounding regions at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 27th percentile. Pasadena's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Pasadena displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Pasadena, as per the latest Census evaluation, 67.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 33.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Pasadena was higher at 42.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Pasadena was $1,733, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure in Pasadena was recorded at $333, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Pasadena's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.8% of all households, including 26.3% that are couples with children, 32.3% that are couples without children, and 8.4% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 29.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Pasadena aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

In Pasadena, residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader averages. Specifically, 35.8% of residents hold university qualifications compared to the Australian average of 25.7%. This is also higher than the SA4 region's average of 28.1%. The area has a significant educational advantage with bachelor degrees being the most common at 23.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.4% of residents holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 10.2% while certificates make up 17.2%. A substantial portion of the population is actively pursuing education, with 24.3% engaged in formal learning. This includes 7.4% in primary education, 6.6% in tertiary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis in Pasadena shows 16 operational public transport stops serving a variety of bus routes. These stops are covered by 21 individual routes, offering a total of 1,454 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 193 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 84%, followed by buses at 7% and cycling at 2%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.2, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.9% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 207 trips per day, translating to approximately 90 weekly trips per stop.

Pasadena's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Pasadena's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 50% (~1,624 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (6.8%), with 64.3% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. Pasadena has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.5% (1,057 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Pasadena 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

Pasadena's population shows high cultural diversity, with 30.9% born overseas and 28.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Pasadena, accounting for 53.6% of its population. The largest overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' religious category, which comprises 1.4% locally compared to 1.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (25.6%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (10.2%). Notably, Greek (6.2%) and German (6.5%) ancestry is overrepresented in Pasadena compared to regional averages of 2.0% and 5.1%, respectively. Hungarian ancestry also shows a slight overrepresentation at 0.4%.

Pasadena hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Pasadena's median age of 48 years is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's at 39 years and also above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Pasadena has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (12.3%) but fewer individuals aged 25-34 (10.6%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has grown from 9.7% to 11.0%, while those aged 35-44 increased from 11.1% to 12.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 10.4% to 8.9%. By 2041, Pasadena is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 89%, reaching 497 people from the current figure of 263.