Salisbury Downs

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026 the estimated population of Salisbury Downs is around 6,395. This reflects an increase of 99 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,296. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6,379 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,283 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury Downs's 1.6% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth, with the suburb expected to expand by 248 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 3.6% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Salisbury Downs, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Salisbury Downs averaged around 15 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 77 homes were approved, with another 32 in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.9 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and enabling population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $265,000. In FY-26, around $6.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury Downs has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks among the 40th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. New building activity shows 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 410 people per approval, Salisbury Downs indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 232 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Salisbury Downs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Salisbury Park Estate, Salisbury City Centre Redevelopment, Mawson Lakes Road Management Plan, and Public Housing Builds in Parafield Gardens. 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.

Employment conditions in Salisbury Downs face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Salisbury Downs has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.7% as of December 2025, and estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of that date, 2,626 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.9 percentage points higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Salisbury Downs lags at 55.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%.

Census responses indicate that only 5.5% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 3.2% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force increased by 0.8%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Salisbury Downs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Salisbury Downs had a median income among taxpayers of $47,703 and an average income of $50,758 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,803 and average income of $66,852 for the same period. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $52,554 and average income around $55,920, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.17%. Census figures from 2021 indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Salisbury Downs fall between the 5th and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Salisbury Downs is 29.5% (1,886 people) with incomes between $800 and $1,499, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 to $2,999 category prevails at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Salisbury Downs, with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Salisbury Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Salisbury Downs, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury Downs was at 28.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.8%) or rented (35.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Salisbury Downs was $273, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.1% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 20.1% couples without children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Salisbury Downs faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 23 active transport stops operating within Salisbury Downs. These include a mix of train and bus services, with 17 individual routes providing 1,085 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 241 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, while 5% use buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 155 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 47 weekly trips per stop.

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

Salisbury Downs faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, affecting both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 47% (~3,012 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 9.0% and 8.7% of residents respectively, while 66.3% claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%.

The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Salisbury Downs has 17.3% (1,106 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

Salisbury Downs has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.3% of its population born overseas and 40.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Salisbury Downs, making up 40.7% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to the Greater Adelaide average, comprising 8.1% of Salisbury Downs' population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.3%), Other (20.2%), and Australian (19.2%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Vietnamese at 5.5%, Polish at 1.2%, and Serbian at 0.7%.

Salisbury Downs's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Salisbury Downs is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group is over-represented in Salisbury Downs at 13.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 5.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.3% to 14.4% of the population, while the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 11.6% to 10.9%. By 2041, Salisbury Downs' population is forecasted to experience substantial demographic changes. The 75 to 84 year-old group is projected to grow by 24%, reaching 445 people from the current 358. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to represent 68% of the total population increase. Conversely, the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.