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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Salisbury East's population is estimated at around 9,705 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 432 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,273 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,601 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Economic Regional Population (ERP) data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,412 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury East's growth rate of 4.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with the area expected to expand by 1,366 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 13.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Salisbury East when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Salisbury East averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 129 homes were approved, with a further 25 approved so far in FY-26. This results in around 3.8 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

Consequently, demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is approximately $374,000. Additionally, $2.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered in the current financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury East has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (80.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 356 people per dwelling approval, Salisbury East demonstrates a developed market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by approximately 1,314 residents through to 2041. 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 top 50% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Salisbury Park Estate, Salisbury East Urban Renewal Precinct, Coomurra Rise Land Division, and Advanced Manufacturing and Retail Hub. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 comprising white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

Unemployment rate was 6.1% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the previous year. As of June 2025, 4,218 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Workforce participation was 53.5%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing had a strong share of 28.9% in Salisbury East, compared to the regional level of 17.4%. Professional & technical services were under-represented at 3.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and labour force by 1.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Salisbury East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022 shows Salisbury East had a median income among taxpayers of $45,171 and an average of $50,176. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Adelaide having a median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $50,966 (median) and $56,614 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Salisbury East are between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 30.3% of individuals earn between $800 - 1,499, compared to broader area trends where 31.8% fall within $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Salisbury East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury East stood at 33.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.3% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with the Adelaide metro average, while the median weekly rent figure was $290, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,300 and $300 respectively. Nationally, Salisbury East's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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 comprise 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 2.7.

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%, substantially below Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (28.1%).

Educational participation is high at 27.8%, including 10.8% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Salisbury East's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,994 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 956) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 30.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Public transport analysis in Salisbury East shows 47 active stops operating, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 22 routes, collectively facilitating 1,485 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 212 trips per day 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 indicates significant health challenges in Salisbury East, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate is low at approximately 47%, covering around 4,550 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.4% of residents) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 62.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Greater Adelaide. Salisbury East has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.4% or 2,173 people, compared to 16.1% in Greater Adelaide. Senior health outcomes present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

Salisbury East was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range 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 in Salisbury East, accounting for 43.5%. However, Islam was more prevalent in Salisbury East at 7.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (23.4%), and Other (12.7%). Notably, Welsh (0.7%) and German (4.7%) were overrepresented in Salisbury East compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 4.0%, respectively.

Salisbury East's median age exceeds 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 8.4%, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.5% to 12.9%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 10.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Salisbury East. Notably, the 85+ age group is projected to grow by 85% (328 people), reaching 717 from 388. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 0% (4 people).