Salisbury (SA)

Population growth drivers in Salisbury are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Salisbury as of Nov 2025 is estimated at around 9,126. This reflects an increase of 285 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,841. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,082 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 110 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,992 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australian statistical areas. The suburb is expected to grow by 425 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, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 32 approved so far in FY-26. On average, one new resident arrives per year for each new home approved during these five financial years.

This balance suggests stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $265,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In the current financial year, there have been $11.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury shows moderately higher development activity, with 27.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Salisbury reflects a low density area, with around 170 people per approval. Looking ahead, Salisbury is expected to grow by 327 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Salisbury Park Estate, Salisbury City Centre Redevelopment - Salisbury Square Precinct, Lot C Paralowie Land Development, and Salisbury Park Estate. The following details those likely 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Salisbury faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Salisbury has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 10.3% as of June 2025, and an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year. This is according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

The city has 3,538 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.3%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Workforce participation in Salisbury is lower at 48.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 2.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.3%, labour force grew by 1.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labour force grow by 2.1%, with a marginal increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Salisbury is $47,793 and average income is $50,853. This is below Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,925 (median) and $57,377 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Salisbury fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows largest segment is 31.2% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, contrasting with metropolitan region's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.8%. 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

Dwelling structure in Salisbury, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 61.5% houses and 38.5% other dwellings. In Adelaide metro, this was 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury was 27.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented at 43.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,213, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Salisbury was $260, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Salisbury's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Salisbury features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average 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 comprise the remaining 39.1%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households making up 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.3%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is high at 30.6%, including 10.7% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education. Salisbury's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,002 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 953) and balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents are at 11.0, below the regional average of 13.9, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis in Salisbury shows 61 active public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 43 individual routes operating, serving 3,443 weekly passenger trips in total.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 188 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 491 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Salisbury is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Salisbury faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across all age groups but particularly so among older age cohorts. Private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,302 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.9% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2021, 18.7% of Salisbury's residents are aged 65 and over (1,706 people), which is higher than the 16.1% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those of the broader population.

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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.5% of its population born overseas and 44.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Salisbury, comprising 43.2% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 10.8% of Salisbury's population versus 8.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (28.3%), English (21.6%), and Australian (17.9%). Notably, Vietnamese (2.0%), Italian (6.2%), and Serbian (0.4%) ethnicities have higher representations in Salisbury compared to regional averages.

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 close to Australia's national average of 38 years. The 0-4 age cohort is over-represented in Salisbury at 6.5%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 10.7%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.3% of Salisbury's population, whereas the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.0% to 11.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Salisbury. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 732 people from 574, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 81% of this growth. Conversely, the 55-64 and 35-44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.