Rosewater

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Rosewater is around 3,689, reflecting an increase of 107 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.0% rise from the previous population count of 3,582. The latest estimate, 3,683 residents, was derived by AreaSearch following examination of the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release and validation of an additional 71 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,773 persons per square kilometer, placing Rosewater in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed predominantly to this growth, accounting for around 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all migration factors including interstate migration and natural growth were positive contributors. AreaSearch's projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest an above median population growth for Australian statistical areas, with Rosewater projected to grow by 631 persons to reach a total of 4,320 by the year 2041, reflecting a 16.9% increase over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Rosewater among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Rosewater averaged approximately 53 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 269 homes. So far in FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes were built at an average expected construction cost of $363,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction.

This year, $16.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Rosewater shows 78.0% higher construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises approximately 42.0% standalone homes and 57.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 77.0% houses. The location has around 203 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rosewater is expected to grow by approximately 625 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Looking ahead, Rosewater is expected to grow by 625 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Rosewater has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth 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 projects, with the following details focusing 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.

The employment landscape in Rosewater shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Rosewater has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.3% and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 5.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, there are 1,916 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate in Rosewater matches Greater Adelaide's figure of 66.0%. Census responses indicate that only 7.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade are the dominant employment sectors among residents. The area has a notable specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.5 times higher than the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 4.3% of employment compared to the regional figure of 7.3%. The predominantly residential nature of Rosewater suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, while labour force grew by 3.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 4.2%, labour force expansion of 3.9%, and a reduction in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Rosewater. These projections estimate a national employment increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across different industry sectors. Applying these projections to Rosewater's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, although these figures are based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Rosewater's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 30, 2023. Rosewater's median income among taxpayers was $52,991 and the average income stood at $58,091, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year ended June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,380 (median) and $63,999 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census data from 2021, incomes in Rosewater fall between the 21st and 25th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 31.1% of locals (1,147 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Rosewater is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than 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 75.2% houses and 24.9% 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, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent was $260, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Rosewater's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,430 versus 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

Rosewater trail has regional benchmarks for educational qualifications, with 20.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them – advanced diplomas are held by 8.6% and certificates by 26.5%.

Educational participation is 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight distinct routes that collectively facilitate 800 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Rosewater is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 184 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 87%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 7% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 114 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Rosewater faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,844 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.3%) and arthritis (9.2%), while 64.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Rosewater has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (660 people), lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 28.4% born overseas and 25.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rosewater, making up 39.4% of its population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 5.0% versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.6%), Australian (21.3%), and Other (8.3%). Polish (2.2%) is notably more represented than regionally (1.0%), as are Russian (1.5%, vs regional 0.3%) and Vietnamese (4.4%, vs regional 1.2%).

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 closely aligning with Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Rosewater has a notably higher proportion of the 35-44 cohort (15.4% vs. 12%) and a lower proportion of the 75-84 cohort (5.3% vs. 8%). Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 13.9% to 15.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.1% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.2% and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Rosewater's age profile, with the strongest growth in the 45-54 cohort (32%), adding 144 residents to reach 591. The 0-4 group is projected to grow by 10%, adding 17 residents.