Salisbury East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Salisbury East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of Salisbury East is around 9,486 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 213 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,273. The latest estimate comes from AreaSearch following examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and validation of new addresses since the Census date. The population density is calculated at 1,380 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury East's growth rate of 2.3% since census is within 1.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's 3.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Future population trends project above median growth for Australian statistical areas, with Salisbury East expected to expand by 1,256 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.1% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Salisbury East recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Salisbury East averaged approximately 28 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 142 homes were approved, with a further 48 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 2.8 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $374,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This year, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury East has 16.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 39th percentile of areas assessed nationally, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (80.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 426 people per dwelling approval, Salisbury East shows a developed market. Looking ahead, Salisbury East is expected to grow by 1,242 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Salisbury East Urban Renewal Precinct, Salisbury Park Estate, Coomurra Rise Land Division, and Advanced Manufacturing and Retail Hub.

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

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Employment drivers in Salisbury East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Salisbury East has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 6.4% as of December 2025. Employment stability has been relative over the past year.

There are 4,104 employed residents while the unemployment rate is 2.6% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Census data shows that only 5.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a strong specialization in manufacturing at 1.6 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented at 3.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% while labour force grew by 0.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw 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 suggest that Salisbury East's local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's current employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Salisbury East's median income among taxpayers is $45,171, with an average of $50,176. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $49,765 (median) and $55,279 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Salisbury East fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 30.3% of individuals earn between $800 - 1,499, unlike broader trends where 31.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile.

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

In Salisbury East, as per the latest Census data, 80.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 19.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury East was 33.4%, similar to Adelaide metro's figure. The rest of the dwellings were either mortgaged (41.3%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Salisbury East was $1,300, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent was $290 compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Salisbury East features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 66.1% of all households, including 25.6% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (28.1%). Educational participation is high at 27.8%, with 10.8% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% 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 indicates 47 active stops operating within Salisbury East, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 24 routes, collectively facilitating 1,489 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains dominant at 89%, while bus usage stands at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 212 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data shows significant health challenges in Salisbury East. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence reveals high prevalence across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 4,447 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 62.3% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. Salisbury East has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,200 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

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

Salisbury East had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 22.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.5%. Islam was overrepresented at 7.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (12.7%). Welsh (0.7%) and German (4.7%) were notably overrepresented, while Serbian was equally represented at 0.4%.

Salisbury East's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Salisbury East is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 8.9% of the population in Salisbury East, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage. Conversely, the 35-44 age group makes up 12.4%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Adelaide. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.3% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 7.8% to 8.9%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group declined from 12.7% to 11.6%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 11.6% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Salisbury East. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 86%, reaching 723 people from 388, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 age group shows minimal growth of just 2%, with an increase of 18 people.