Rostrevor

Population growth drivers in Rostrevor are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Rostrevor is around 9,127, reflecting an increase of 675 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents an 8.0% growth from the previous population count of 8,452 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 9,052 following examination of ABS data releases in June 2024 and validation of 91 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,992 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Rostrevor has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Rostrevor is expected to experience above median population growth among statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to grow by 2,100 persons, reflecting a total gain of 21.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Rostrevor among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Rostrevor has seen approximately 65 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 325 homes were approved, with an additional 47 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 2.4 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $493,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, $6.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Rostrevor has similar development levels per person, contributing to regional market stability.

Recent construction comprises 75% detached dwellings and 25% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 194 people per dwelling approval, Rostrevor exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts indicate Rostrevor will gain approximately 1,985 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Rostrevor has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects expected to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Morialta Performing Arts Centre, Rostrevor College Master Plan Redevelopment (Stage 2 and Ongoing), Campbelltown Performing Arts Centre and Community Hub, and Magill Campus Renewal Project. The following list details 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.

Rostrevor ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Rostrevor has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Over the past year, ending September 2025, employment grew by an estimated 3.5%.

As of that date, 4,825 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Greater Adelaide's and workforce participation at par with Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 12.4% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Rostrevor shows strong specialization in education & training (1.3 times the regional level) but is under-represented in health care & social assistance (16.4% vs Greater Adelaide's 17.7%).

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, labour force by 3.2%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point fall in unemployment. 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 Rostrevor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Rostrevor suburb had an income median of $53,821 and average income of $68,705. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rostrevor would be approximately $58,557 (median) and $74,751 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Rostrevor rank modestly, between the 45th and 52nd percentiles. Income brackets show that 31.8% of Rostrevor's population (2,902 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan region patterns where 31.8% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Rostrevor is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Rostrevor's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.9% houses and 21.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rostrevor stood at 43.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Rostrevor was $380, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Rostrevor's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Rostrevor has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.9% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households at 22.0% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Rostrevor shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Rostrevor's educational attainment is notably high, with 38.5% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds South Australia's (SA) average of 25.7% and Greater Adelaide's average of 28.9%. The area's most common university qualifications are bachelor degrees at 24.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.3% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 10.3% of residents and certificates held by 15.4%. Educational participation is high in Rostrevor, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 6.8% in tertiary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Rostrevor has 37 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 24 unique routes that facilitate a total of 1,529 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 198 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 87% of residents, while buses are used by 10%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 218 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Rostrevor is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Rostrevor demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 54% (~4,942 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively high. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.6 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A total of 72.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.9% (1,907 people) of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Rostrevor is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rostrevor's cultural diversity is notable, with 38.2% of its population born overseas and 37.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rostrevor, comprising 53.1% of the population. However, the most significant overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, which constitutes 2.3% of Rostrevor's population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Rostrevor are English (18.3%), Australian (17.0%), and Italian (16.5%). These figures are lower than regional averages for English (27.8%) and Australian (22.8%) but higher for Italian (5.2%). Additionally, certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Russian (0.7% vs 0.3%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Korean (1.1% vs 0.3%) are overrepresented in Rostrevor compared to regional averages.

Rostrevor's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Rostrevor is 41 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and modestly exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 8.3%, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 11.7% than in Greater Adelaide. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.4% to 14.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 13.2% to 12.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal that the 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 360 people (32%) from 1,140 to 1,501.