Queenstown (SA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Queenstown (SA) is around 2,126. This reflects an increase of 183 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,943. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,059 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,761 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Queenstown's growth of 9.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (7.1%) and metropolitan area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for national statistical areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 450 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.9% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Queenstown when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Queenstown has seen approximately 16 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 81 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling is expected to accommodate 3 new residents per year during this period, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $363,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $1.3 million, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Queenstown has similar development levels per capita, contributing to market stability in line with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living that creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 220 people per dwelling approval, Queenstown exhibits a developing market.

The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Queenstown to add 444 residents by 2041, suggesting current development is well-matched to future needs and supports steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Queenstown has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Rosewater Loop Project, Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct, West Lakes Tennis Club Redevelopment, and Our Port are key projects, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Queenstown faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Queenstown has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.5%.

As of June 2025991 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.7%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lags at 56.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Transport, postal & warehousing shows notable concentration with levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.3% versus the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% and labour force by 3.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Queenstown. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Queenstown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Queenstown is below the national average. The median income is $48,265 and the average income stands at $52,910. In contrast, Greater Adelaide has a median income of $52,592 and an average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Queenstown would be approximately $54,457 (median) and $59,698 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Queenstown all fall between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 28.2% of residents (599 people), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Queenstown, with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

Queenstown displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Queenstown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 56.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 43.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queenstown stood at 28.3%, matching Adelaide metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 33.3%, while rented dwellings made up 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,463, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Queenstown was recorded at $270, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Queenstown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Queenstown features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 54.9% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.1%, with lone person households at 42.0% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 26.7%. A total of 21.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.8% in primary, 4.9% in secondary, and 4.4% in tertiary education.

Alberton Primary School serves Queenstown with an enrollment of 243 students. The school caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Its capacity exceeds local needs at 11.4 places per 100 residents versus the regional average of 8.9, indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 13 operational public transport stops in Queenstown. These stops offer a mix of bus services. Eight unique routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 435 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically situated 164 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 62 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Queenstown faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence rates of common health conditions.

Only approximately 48% (~1,019 people) of Queenstown residents have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 62.9% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 66.1% in Greater Adelaide. Queenstown has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.3% (495 people), compared to 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

Queenstown 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

Queenstown's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 24.0% born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Queenstown, making up 45.4% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 0.9%, compared to 1.7% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, Australian and English groups are equally prominent at 24.3% each, followed by Other at 8.2%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Russians make up 3.2% in Queenstown versus 0.6% regionally, Poles at 1.6% (versus 1.4%), and Serbians at 1.0% (versus 0.8%).

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

The median age in Queenstown is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Queenstown has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 at 15.8%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group increased from 14.0% to 15.8% of Queenstown's population. Conversely, the 55-64 age group decreased from 15.2% to 13.5%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 11.5% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Queenstown's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 71% (127 people), reaching 306 from 178. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting Queenstown's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 age group shows minimal growth of just 9% (9 people).