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, the estimated population of the suburb of Queenstown (SA) as of Feb 2026 is around 2,291. This reflects an increase of 348 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,943. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,027 estimated by AreaSearch 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 2,975 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Queenstown's growth of 17.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.0%) and the Greater Adelaide region, marking it as a growth leader. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends project an above median population growth for national statistical areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 452 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.4% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Queenstown has seen approximately 15 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 79 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, three new residents per year are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $363,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $8.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Queenstown exhibits comparable development activity per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 41.0% detached dwellings and 59.0% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 57.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for diverse, affordable housing options. Queenstown reflects a developing area with around 209 people per approval.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch projects Queenstown to grow by 285 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Queenstown has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. One major project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially influencing this region: Rosewater Loop Project, Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct at West Lakes Tennis Club Redevelopment, and Our Port. These projects are likely the most relevant.

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

Queenstown has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 8.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%. As of September 2025, 1,005 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 4.1%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was lower at 63.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Only 7.7% of residents worked from home as per Census responses in September 2025, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training sectors. The area had a particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while professional & technical services showed lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, labour force by 4.3%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 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 Queenstown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Queenstown had a median income among taxpayers of $48,265 with an average level standing at $52,910. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,512 (median) and $57,566 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Queenstown all fall between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $400 - $799 earnings band captures 28.2% of the community (646 individuals), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 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, 56.6% of dwellings were houses while 43.4% comprised other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queenstown stood at 28.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.3%) or rented (38.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,463, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Weekly rent in Queenstown was recorded at $270, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Queenstown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 45.1%, with lone person households at 42.0% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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 the 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, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (26.7%). A total of 21.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.8% in primary education, 4.9% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 21.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 4.9% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Queenstown has 13 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 9 different routes that together offer 437 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 164 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 89% of residents. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 62 trips per day, equating to around 33 weekly trips per 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment completed on 20th March 2022. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 48% of Queenstown's total population (~1,098 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%, as of March 2022.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.6% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 10.3%), while 62.9% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Queenstown has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (23.5%, or 538 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population as of March 2022.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Queenstown was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Queenstown's cultural diversity is evident with 24.0% of its population born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.4%. The category 'Other' comprises 0.9%, compared to 1.8% in Greater Adelaide.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (24.3%), English (24.3%), and Other (8.2%) are the top groups. Notably, Russian (3.2%), Polish (1.6%), and Serbian (1.0%) populations are higher than regional averages of 0.3%, 1.0%, and 0.4% respectively.

Queenstown hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Queenstown is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Queenstown has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (12.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35-44 increased from 14.0% to 15.8%, while the 65-74 cohort rose from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 15.2% to 13.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Queenstown's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 55% (106 people), reaching 301 from 194. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting Queenstown's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 65-74 group is projected to remain unchanged in terms of resident numbers.