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 since the Census, Salisbury's population is estimated at around 9,198 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 357 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,841 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,167 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 117 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,008 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury's 4.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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, released in 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, 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 388 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.9% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Salisbury when compared nationally

Salisbury averaged approximately 40 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 204 homes were approved, with an additional 92 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 1.6 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of new properties was $265,000. This year, there have been $8.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury has shown moderately higher development activity, 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

Recent construction comprised 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a low-density area with approximately 169 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Salisbury is expected to grow by 357 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Salisbury has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects are Salisbury City Centre Redevelopment, Salisbury Park Estate, Lot C Paralowie Land Development, and Salisbury Park Estate. The following details those expected to be most relevant.

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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 spanning white and blue collar employment. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented with an unemployment rate of 10.4%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 1.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 3,551 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 6.6%, above Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 52.4% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Based on Census responses, only 4.2% of residents worked from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have limited presence at 2.9%, compared to the regional average of 7.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and labour force increased by 1.2%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 4.2%, labour force expand by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Salisbury. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Salisbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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 median income in Salisbury is $47,793 and average income is $50,853. This is lower than Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $52,654 and average income $56,025 based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates that Salisbury's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that 31.2% of locals (2,869 people) predominantly earn $800 - $1,499 annually, unlike metropolitan trends where 31.8% earn $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 evaluation, 61.5% of dwellings were houses while 38.5% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In Adelaide metro, 75.2% of dwellings were houses with 24.9% being other types. 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 in the area was $1,213, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Salisbury was $260, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Salisbury's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 39.1%, consisting of 34.8% lone person households and 4.2% group households. 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%, which is significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 9.8% of residents holding them, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 32.1% having them, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (24.9%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 61 active transport stops operating within Salisbury. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 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 stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. The car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% using buses.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 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 significant challenges in Salisbury. AreaSearch's assessment shows varied impacts on both younger and older age cohorts from a range of health conditions. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (~4,336 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are most common, affecting 8.9% and 8.6% respectively, while 67.1% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions. The area has 19.5% (1,793 people) aged 65 and over. Senior health outcomes align 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 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. The predominant religion in Salisbury is Christianity, accounting for 43.2% of the population. Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 10.8%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (28.3%), English (21.6%), and Australian (17.9%). Notably, Vietnamese (2.0% vs regional 1.2%), Italian (6.2% vs 5.2%) and Serbian (0.4% vs 0.4%) ethnic groups are also overrepresented in Salisbury compared to the 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. It is also close to the national average of 38 years. The 0-4 cohort is over-represented in Salisbury at 6.4%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average. Conversely, the 55-64 age group is under-represented in Salisbury at 10.7%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.7% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.0% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Salisbury. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 44%, reaching 451 people from 312. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 76% of the population growth. However, the 55-64 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.