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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the population of the suburb of Salisbury East was estimated at 9,761 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 488 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,273. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,648 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validation of 47 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,420 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury East's growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 4.0%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for the suburb of Salisbury East, with an expected expansion of 1,388 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 12.9% over the 17 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Salisbury East averaged approximately 28 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 141 homes were approved, with an additional 40 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in roughly 3.5 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually 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, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, around $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Salisbury East has 17.0% less new development per person than Greater Adelaide and ranks among the 39th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This limited supply supports demand for existing homes and suggests possible development constraints, reflecting market maturity. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Notably, 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 approximately 436 people per dwelling approval, Salisbury East demonstrates a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by around 1,259 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Salisbury East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Salisbury East Urban Renewal Precinct, Salisbury Park Estate, Coomurra Rise Land Division, and Advanced Manufacturing and Retail Hub. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 6.3%, and estimated employment growth of 1.2% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, 4,200 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher by 2.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 56.6%, versus Greater Adelaide's 66.4%.

Census data shows only 5.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may affect this figure. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a strong specialization in manufacturing (1.6 times the regional level). However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% and labour force grew by 1.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at around 6.3%. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment to 3.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Salisbury East's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Salisbury East's median income among taxpayers is $45,171, with an average of $50,176. This is lower than the national average and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Salisbury East would be approximately $49,146 (median) and $54,591 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Salisbury East all fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 30.3% of the community (2,957 individuals), unlike trends in the broader area where 31.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Salisbury East, 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

Dwelling structure in Salisbury East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings. 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 level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (41.3%) or rented (25.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Salisbury East was $290, compared to Adelaide metro's $320 and 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 account for 66.1% of all households, consisting of 25.6% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. 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 the 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 shows 47 active transport stops operating in Salisbury East, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 1,489 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 206 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, with 7% using buses. 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 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

AreaSearch's health assessment for Salisbury East indicates significant health challenges. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~4576 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 62.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents face significant health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Salisbury East has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (22.8%, or 2225 people), than Greater Adelaide (19.3%). Senior health outcomes align with national rankings but present some challenges.

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 compared to most local areas, with 22.3% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 31.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Salisbury East, making up 43.5% of the population. However, Islam was significantly overrepresented, comprising 7.0% compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English at 30.9%, Australian at 23.4%, and Other at 12.7%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh was slightly higher at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, German was lower at 4.7% versus 5.1%, and Serbian remained similar 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 8.7% of the population in Salisbury East, higher than that of Greater Adelaide. Conversely, the 35-44 age group makes up 12.3%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Adelaide's figures. Post-Census data from 2021 shows an increase in the 15-24 age group from 11.5% to 13.2%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 11.6% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Salisbury East. Notably, the 85+ age group is projected to grow by 83%, increasing from 390 to 715 people. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5-14 age group shows minimal growth, with an increase of just 2 people.