Rosewater

Population growth drivers in Rosewater are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Rosewater's population is estimated at around 4,476 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 894 people (25.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,582 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,052, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,365 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rosewater's 25.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (8.7%), along with the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the Rosewater (SA2) expected to expand by 695 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 2.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rosewater has recorded around 53 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. This totals an estimated 267 homes over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per new home has been around 1.5 annually over these past five years, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this figure has intensified to 5.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $363,000, which is moderately above regional levels, reflecting an emphasis on quality construction. This year, there have been $16.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Rosewater has 75.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, this level is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 57.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 77.0% houses.

The location has approximately 197 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Rosewater adding 118 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Rosewater Loop Project, Our Port, Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program, and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment Stage Three are key initiatives. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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

Rosewater has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.6%. The area had 2,043 residents employed while its unemployment rate was 4.0%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Rosewater is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among Rosewater residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 4.3%, compared to the regional level of 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force grew by 4.5%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged in Rosewater. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data from November 2025 shows South Australian employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rosewater's current employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Rosewater had a median income among taxpayers of $52,991 and an average income of $58,091. These figures are below the national averages of $66,852 across Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rosewater's median income would be approximately $57,654 and average income $63,203 by September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Rosewater fall between the 21st and 25th percentiles nationally. In Rosewater, 31.1% of residents (1,392 people) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rosewater, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

Rosewater is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Rosewater's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.6% houses and 23.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rosewater was at 25.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (42.7%) or rented (32.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent was $260, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Rosewater's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,430 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rosewater features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.8% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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

Rosewater Trail residents aged 15+ have 20.5% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.1%, with advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 26.5%. Current educational participation is high, with 27.1% enrolled: primary education (9.0%), secondary education (6.5%), tertiary education (5.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rosewater has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 800 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 184 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 114 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rosewater is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Rosewater faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of Rosewater's total population (~2,237 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (10.3%) and arthritis (9.2%). A total of 64.8% of Rosewater residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2021, 17.6% of Rosewater's residents are aged 65 and over (787 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Rosewater's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 28.4% born overseas and 25.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rosewater, accounting for 39.4%. Buddhism, however, was more prevalent in Rosewater at 5.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 6.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.6%), Australian (21.3%), and Other (8.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Polish (2.2% vs regional 1.4%), Russian (1.5% vs 0.6%), and Vietnamese (4.4% vs 5.9%) were overrepresented in Rosewater.

Rosewater's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Rosewater's median age is 39 years, matching Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and aligned with Australia's median of 38. Comparing Rosewater's demographic to Greater Adelaide's shows an over-representation of the 35-44 cohort at 15.5% locally, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 4.9%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 13.9% to 15.5%, and the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.5%. By 2041, Rosewater's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 55%, adding 119 residents to reach 339. Residents aged 65 and older represent 69% of anticipated growth, while population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.