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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Ridgehaven has an estimated 4,432 residents, up from 4,304 at the 2021 Census — a change of 128 people, or 3.0%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. That puts 2,101 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Ridgehaven's population is estimated at around 4,432 as of Aug 26. This reflects an increase of 128 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,304 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,404, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,100 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Over the past decade, Ridgehaven has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Projections utilize 2024 ABS and Geoscience Australia releases anchored to 2022 benchmarks across SA2 districts, supplemented for uncovered localities and post-2032 horizons by 2023 SA State Government age-cohort models based on 2021 numbers converted to SA2 boundaries via weighted aggregation. Looking ahead, population growth in the suburb of Ridgehaven is tracked slightly under the national median, with SA2 modelling indicating an addition of 496 persons to 2041, amounting to an overall 10.6% rise across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
163 new dwellings have been approved in Ridgehaven over the past five years, an average of 32 a year. That is 6.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 27 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 81% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 12, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Examining ABS residential approval statistics aggregated by AreaSearch, Ridgehaven averages approximately 32 approved dwellings per year, totaling an estimated 163 residential units over the preceding 5 financial years from FY-21 through FY-25, alongside 12 approvals logged during FY-25. While local resident counts declined over the prior interval, new home creation has matched market requirements to preserve balanced conditions and solid choice for purchasers, with newly constructed dwellings carrying an estimated construction cost averaging $422,000. Non-residential building activity remains subdued, registering $1.4 million in commercial building permits throughout this financial year.
Per capita construction in Ridgehaven stands 30.0% above the regional average over the 5 year period relative to Greater Adelaide, sustaining established real estate values while presenting diverse options to buyers, notwithstanding recent moderation in building volume. Standalone houses account for 81.0% of recent residential development whereas attached formats comprise 19.0%, reinforcing the locality's low-density character focused on spacious family-oriented living. A ratio of roughly 372 people per approval underscores the established, mature status of the local housing market. Long-term forecasts derived from current AreaSearch quarterly figures indicate Ridgehaven will take on 468 residents by 2041. Ongoing residential construction trends suggest upcoming housing additions will comfortably absorb incoming demand, supporting favorable purchasing conditions and potentially enabling demographic expansion above baseline expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Ridgehaven
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 23 current infrastructure and development projects close to Ridgehaven, worth an estimated $2.35 billion. 4 are already under construction and 5 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans sports & recreation, residential development and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local capital works and urban planning frameworks significantly guide community evolution, with AreaSearch tracking 2 projects possessing notable local influence. Notable initiatives encompass the Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals, Golden Grove Neighbourhood Code Amendment, Hope Valley Sporting Club Amenities Improvements, and Tea Tree Gully Sustainable Sewers Program.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Tea Tree Gully Sustainable Sewers Program
SA Water program to transfer approximately 4,700 properties in the City of Tea Tree Gully from a council run Community Wastewater Management System with on site septic tanks to a modern sewer network. Delivery is being rolled out in zones between 2022 and 2028 to improve service reliability and public health outcomes.
Tea Tree Gully Township North East Road Streetscape Upgrade
A multi-year project to upgrade the streetscape in the historic Tea Tree Gully township precinct. The project includes undergrounding of power lines and significant footpath upgrades to improve the public realm, enhance the village atmosphere, provide gateways into the City, new paving, landscaping, street furniture, lighting upgrades, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure improvements.
Luminaire Estate - Residential Development
A 48-lot residential estate between Aristotle Close and Golden Grove Road, featuring the new Plato Place street. Land developed by Lendlease, with homes built by Metricon. Released late 2023, sold out November 2024, construction continuing into 2025. Metricon Homes, founded in 1976, is Australia's leading home builder with SA Builder's Licence BLD231776.
Wynn Vale Grove Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Proposed expansion and refurbishment of the Wynn Vale Grove Shopping Centre including upgraded retail tenancies, expansion of the existing medical centre, improved pedestrian access, landscaping and a reconfigured car park. As of mid-2026 the proposal remains in the planning phase with no confirmed construction commencement publicly announced.
Euca Modbury Townhomes
Boutique development of 25 contemporary park-facing townhomes overlooking Australia Reserve. Features architecturally designed two-storey homes with 7-star energy rating, developed by local consortium Centina, Kolabb and Greenstate. Located just 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD and 1km from Tea Tree Plaza.
Modbury Hospital Redevelopment Project
The $117 million major upgrade of Modbury Hospital includes a state-of-the-art Health Precinct with a brand-new Cancer Centre featuring 12 chemotherapy chairs, and a new Mental Health Precinct with 44 beds (24 mental health rehabilitation beds and a 20-bed older persons mental health unit). The project also delivers a new five-storey multi-deck car park with over 300 spaces, marking the re-introduction of cancer services to the hospital after a decade. Expected completion is December 2025.
Golden Grove Neighbourhood Code Amendment
A planning policy review and code amendment initiated by the City of Tea Tree Gully to update development standards and zoning overlays for established residential areas across Golden Grove. The proposal reviews allotment sizes, setback requirements, and residential infill policies to protect neighbourhood character while accommodating measured growth.
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Entertainment & Leisure Precinct
A major retail and entertainment precinct upgrade featuring expanded dining options, premium cinema complex with Lux screens, entertainment facilities, and enhanced retail spaces. The project includes new outdoor areas, children's play zones, and improved accessibility.
2,028 residents of Ridgehaven are employed, from a labour force of 2,114. Unemployment sits at 4.1%, with participation at 56.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,602, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Ridgehaven possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and relative employment stability over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,028 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (56.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment sectors for resident workers include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.
The community displays notable concentration in other services, where representation reaches 1.3 times regional averages. Conversely, professional & technical occupations account for only 5.4% of local employment, trailing the 7.3% seen across Greater Adelaide. Comparing resident employee counts with local job counts highlights the area's predominantly residential character and limited in-suburb workplace base. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, the labour force increased by 0.2% alongside a 0.2% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment falling 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ridgehaven. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ridgehaven's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Ridgehaven is $1,307 a week (about $68,000 a year), with median personal income at $688 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $48,642 a year against an average of $54,618. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate local earnings sit below nationwide benchmarks, recording a median income of $48,642 and an average income of $54,618, compared to Greater Adelaide benchmarks of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Factoring in 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, updated figures reach approximately $53,589 for median earnings and $60,173 for average earnings as of March 2026. Across the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings clustered between the 20th and 26th percentiles nationally. A share of 32.1% of residents (1,422 people) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings bracket, mirroring the broader metropolitan proportion of 31.8%.
Mortgage and rent burdens are pronounced, leaving 83.3% of income uncommitted and placing the area in the 20th percentile for affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Ridgehaven had 1,768 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 74% detached houses and 21% apartments. 43% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 34% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $320 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,436 a month. Rent absorbs 24.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, separate houses formed 73.5% of Ridgehaven's residential stock while semi-detached homes, units, and other configurations represented 26.5%, closely tracking Adelaide metro figures of 75.2% and 24.9%. Outright ownership matched the wider metropolitan benchmark at 33.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 42.7% and tenant-occupied dwellings accounting for 23.8%. Typical mortgage payments of $1,436 per month sat lower than the Adelaide metro median of $1,562, whereas median weekly rent matched the regional level at $320. On a national scale, local housing expenses are distinctly affordable, sitting well beneath Australian median benchmarks of $1,863 per month for mortgages and $375 per week for rents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Ridgehaven counted 1,768 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 26% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units account for 66.7% of all local households, divided between couples without children (28.2%), couples with children (25.5%), and single parent families (12.0%). The remaining 33.3% consists of non-family arrangements, primarily lone person households at 31.6% alongside group households at 1.6%. The typical household size stands at 2.3 people, which is slightly below the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
20.5% of adults in Ridgehaven hold a university qualification, including 14.8% with a bachelor degree and 3.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.0% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 228 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 999 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher educational attainment in Ridgehaven remains below national standards, with 20.5% of persons aged 15+ possessing university credentials compared to 30.4% across Australia. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications represent 14.8%, while postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas comprise 3.8% and 1.9% respectively. Technical and trade learning is widely held, with vocational qualifications attained by 37.8% of residents aged 15+, consisting of certificates (28.0%) and advanced diplomas (9.8%). Educational institutions engage 23.6% of the local population in active study. This enrollment comprises 9.1% attending primary schools, 5.0% enrolled in secondary education, and 4.2% undertaking tertiary coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Ridgehaven reaches 27 stops on 22 routes, timetabled for about 1,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport operations across Ridgehaven feature 27 active stops utilized by bus services. These facilities are served across 22 separate transit lines, delivering 1,675 scheduled trips every week. Transit proximity is high, with properties positioned an average of 176 meters from boarding points. With outward travel common for work, private cars represent the primary transit mode at 83%, followed by bus patronage at 13%. Motor vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per home, below broader metropolitan levels, while 8.4% of workers conducted duties from home at the 2021 Census under potential pandemic influences.
Local public transit networks run at an average frequency of 239 daily trips across all services, generating roughly 62 departures per week at each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.4% of residents in Ridgehaven report no long-term health condition. 9.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Data on chronic conditions and mortality analyzed by AreaSearch shows prominent health considerations in Ridgehaven, with general ailments widely distributed and elevating across senior demographics. Private health insurance participation is subdued, covering roughly 49% of the population (~2,155 people), which tracks lower than the 52.7% observed across Greater Adelaide and the national benchmark of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent reported illnesses, affecting 10.3% and 8.5% of the community respectively, while 62.4% of residents reported no long-term medical issues, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health indicators among working-age cohorts are relatively standard.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 26.7% of the locality (1,183 people), well above the 19.1% seen across Greater Adelaide, creating specialized health considerations among seniors that nonetheless rank lower nationally than for the total resident base.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Ridgehaven is largely Australian-born, at 75.1% of residents, with 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.1%) and Australian (24.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics show Ridgehaven above average levels, with 24.9% of residents born abroad and 14.9% using a non-English language at home. Christianity forms the predominant faith, practiced by 46.5% of local citizens. The Other religious classification registers notable local overrepresentation at 2.5%, compared to 1.8% regionally across Greater Adelaide. Examining parental country of birth, the primary ancestries reported in Ridgehaven are English (32.1%), Australian (24.9%), and Other (7.6%). Several heritage backgrounds show distinct local concentrations above regional baselines, including German at 6.0% (compared to 5.1% across the region), Dutch at 1.6% (versus 1.2%), and Russian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Ridgehaven is 43. 24.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Demographic profiles show the suburb of Ridgehaven maintains an older community structure than Greater Adelaide. Updated August 2026 assessments record 26.7% of residents in senior cohorts (65+), surpassing the regional share of 19.1%, while younger cohorts aged 0 - 24 represent 25.7% versus 29.0% across Greater Adelaide. The median age remains stable at an estimated 43 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census level while exceeding the Greater Adelaide Census median of 39 and the national benchmark of 38. The 45 - 64 age demographic decreased from 22.2% at the Census to an estimated 20.4%.
Retirees and older residents will drive future demographic gains to 2041, expanding by 270 (23%) to reach 1,453 individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Ridgehaven
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 38 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,304 at the 2021 Census → 4,432 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41257). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.