Queenstown (SA)

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

As of Nov 2025, AreaSearch estimates Queenstown's population at around 2,290. This reflects an increase of 347 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,943. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,027 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,974 persons per square kilometer, placing Queenstown (SA) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 17.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth of 8.7%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56% during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in Jun 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 are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for Queenstown (SA) with an expected increase of 462 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.8% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Queenstown has seen around 15 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 79 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 new residents are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes is $363,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

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

The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects an increase of 292 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond projections.

Queenstown has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

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

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

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.

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

Queenstown has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 7.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year.

This figure is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there were 1,021 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 4.0%, which is above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Queenstown lagged significantly at 56.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training sectors.

The area has particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, while labour force increased by 4.7%, resulting in a fall of unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Greater Adelaide where employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with the state's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Queenstown. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Queenstown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, noting this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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 for financial year 2023, Queenstown had a median income among taxpayers of $48,265 and an average income of $52,910. These figures are below the national average of $54,808. In Greater Adelaide, the median income is $54,808 and the average is $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Queenstown would be approximately $52,512 (median) and $57,566 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Queenstown all fall between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 28.2% of Queenstown residents earn between $400 - 799 (645 individuals), while in the surrounding region, 31.8% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Queenstown, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, houses constituted 56.6% of dwellings, with other types making up 43.4%, as per the latest Census. In Adelaide metro, this was 69.1% houses and 30.9% others. Home ownership in Queenstown stood at 28.3%, similar to Adelaide's 28.5%. Mortgaged dwellings were 33.3% and rented ones 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,463, lower than Adelaide's $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Queenstown was $270, lower than Adelaide's $295 and 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 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 2.3.

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 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, with 7.8% in primary, 4.9% in secondary, and 4.4% in 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 operating currently. These stops are served by a mix of buses running along 9 different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 437 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated excellent, with residents on average located 164 meters from their nearest transport stop. On an average day, there are 62 trips across all routes, which translates 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 cohorts have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (around 1,098 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 50.3%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%). However, 62.9% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.1%. Queenstown has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 23.2% (531 people), than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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 population shows significant cultural diversity, with 24.0% born overseas and 20.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for 45.4%. The 'Other' religious category comprises 0.9%, compared to 1.7% in Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 24.3%, followed by English with 24.3%, and Other at 8.2%. Notably, Russians are overrepresented at 3.2% (vs regional 0.6%), Poles at 1.6% (vs 1.4%), and Serbians at 1.0% (vs regional 0.8%).

Queenstown hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Queenstown is 43 years, which is 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 proportion of residents aged 35-44 (15.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35 to 44 grew from 14.0% to 15.8% of Queenstown's population. Conversely, the age groups of 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 decreased from 15.2% to 13.4% and 11.5% to 10.2%, respectively. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Queenstown's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 59% (113 people), reaching a total of 306 from 192. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 63% of the total population growth, indicating an aging demographic profile in the area. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age group shows minimal growth of just 0% (0 people).