Salisbury (SA)

Population growth drivers in Salisbury are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Salisbury's population is estimated at around 9,132 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 291 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,841 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,073, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024, and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,993 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Salisbury has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 437 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Salisbury has averaged around 41 new dwelling approvals per year. An estimated 206 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a further 68 approved so far in FY-26. On average, one new resident arrives per new home annually over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and an average construction value of $265,000 for new properties.

This year has seen $8.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury shows moderately higher development activity, being 27.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Salisbury reflects a low-density area with around 163 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates indicate Salisbury is expected to grow by 333 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Salisbury has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Salisbury City Centre Redevelopment - Salisbury Square Precinct, Salisbury Park Estate, Lot C Paralowie Land Development, and Salisbury Park Estate. The following list details those most likely to be 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 face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Salisbury has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 10.4% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the preceding year.

This rate is higher than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Salisbury is lower at 52.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Only 4.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with a strong specialization in manufacturing (1.8 times the regional level).

Professional & technical employment is limited at 2.9%, compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and labour force grew by 1.1%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, 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 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Salisbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 that in Salisbury, median income is $47,793 and average income is $50,853. In Greater Adelaide, median income is $54,808 and average income is $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $51,999 (median) and $55,328 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Salisbury's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 31.2% of locals in Salisbury earn between $800 - $1,499, compared to 31.8% in the metropolitan region who earn between $1,500 - $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Salisbury, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Salisbury displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Salisbury, as per the latest Census, 61.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 38.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury stood at 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 43.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Salisbury was $260, below Adelaide metro's $320 and the national figure of $375. Nationally, Salisbury's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Salisbury features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 60.9% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 18.9% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 13.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (24.9%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.7% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 61 active transport stops operating within Salisbury. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 43 individual routes, collectively providing 3,443 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 188 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, with 6% using bus services.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 491 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Salisbury is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates substantial challenges for Salisbury. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch across various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was found to be low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 4,305 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common conditions, affecting 8.9% and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 67.1% reported no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents showed a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,744 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

Salisbury 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's population comprises 44.5% born overseas, with 44.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 43.2%. Islam is notably overrepresented at 10.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 3.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (28.3%), English (21.6%), and Australian (17.9%). Notably, Vietnamese people make up 2.0% of Salisbury's population, higher than the regional average of 1.2%. Italians comprise 6.2%, slightly above the regional average of 5.2%. Serbians are present at 0.4%, matching the regional average.

Salisbury's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Salisbury is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and very close to the national average of 38 years. The 0-4 cohort is over-represented in Salisbury at 6.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 10.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.5% to 13.4% of Salisbury's population, whereas the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Salisbury. Notably, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 24%, from 593 to 736 people, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 77% of the population growth. Conversely, the 55-64 and 35-44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.