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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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South Brighton has an estimated 2,772 residents. That puts 3,013 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations combining post-Census validated addresses with updated ABS regional figures, the suburb of South Brighton records an estimated population of approximately 2,772 as of Aug 2026. This represents a gain of 9 people (0.3%) compared to the 2,763 people documented in the 2021 Census. Such movement is derived from an ERP figure of 2,756 released by the ABS in June 2025 alongside 3 validated new addresses confirmed since the Census. With a resulting density of 3,013 persons per square kilometer, the locality ranks in the upper quartile across areas evaluated nationally by AreaSearch.
Inbound international migration served as virtually the exclusive catalyst for recent population increases in the community. Projections for each SA2 district rely on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia models baseline-anchored to 2022. For non-covered SA2 boundaries or horizons beyond 2032, figures incorporate 2023 SA State Government age-cohort projections based on 2021 data, converted via weighted aggregation from LGA down to SA2 divisions. Looking ahead, future population expansion for the suburb of South Brighton is modeled slightly under the national median, with aggregated SA2 calculations pointing to an increase of 260 persons by 2041, which amounts to total growth of 8.8% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
65 new dwellings have been approved in South Brighton over the past five years, an average of 13 a year. That is 4.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Few approvals have been recorded in the most recent months, well below the longer-run average; the latest ABS periods are still being reported. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch indicates that the suburb averages approximately 13 dwellings approved annually, totaling an estimated 65 homes across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with no approvals recorded to date in FY-25. Because construction generated an average of only 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), residential building is keeping pace with or exceeding local demand, expanding options for purchasers and creating capacity for population expansion beyond current projections. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaled $3.6 million in the current financial year, underscoring a modest level of commercial construction activity.
On a per-capita basis, building activity in the suburb reaches roughly 63% of the level seen across Greater Adelaide, placing it in the 4th percentile of areas evaluated across Australia; this constrained pipeline tightens buyer choice and reinforces demand for established homes. Approved construction consists of 64.0% detached dwellings alongside 36.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting an expanding selection of attached formats that accommodate diverse budgets, ranging from larger family residences to accessible, compact layouts. Demographic projections suggest South Brighton will add 244 residents through to 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. At present rates of construction, new residential development appears positioned to comfortably satisfy demand, establishing supportive purchasing conditions while enabling expansion beyond existing growth models.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around South Brighton
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 9 current infrastructure and development projects close to South Brighton, worth an estimated $518 million. 4 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and retail. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure upgrades and planning policies play a major role in shaping neighborhood outcomes, though AreaSearch has identified no active major infrastructure projects expected to directly impact the immediate area. Regionally significant initiatives with broader relevance include the Southern Suburbs Residential Policy Code Amendment, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, and the North South Corridor.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Westfield Marion Expansion
Major $259 million expansion and renovation of Westfield Marion shopping centre by Scentre Group. Adding 52 specialty shops and 20 eateries, new ground floor mall, four-level carpark facing Diagonal Road. Expanding from 135,300sqm to 152,200sqm. Part of $500 million South Australian development pipeline including new retail spaces, fresh food precinct, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Enhanced parking and contemporary design updates. Creates up to 2,600 construction and retail jobs, strengthening position as premier southern suburbs retail destination.Introduction of paid parking for stays over 3 hours with ticketless system using numberplate recognition.
Flagstaff Road Upgrade
Upgrade of approximately 3.3 km of Flagstaff Road including duplication of the remaining three-lane section to a permanent four-lane divided carriageway, intersection improvements, upgraded drainage, shared walking and cycling paths, lighting and road safety improvements. Construction has been underway with staged traffic management and community updates.
Oaklands Green
South Australia's largest social and affordable housing renewal project, transforming 16.5 hectares into a masterplanned community. The development delivers 680 new dwellings, comprising 235 social housing homes managed by Junction and 445 private/affordable homes. The project features 3.4 hectares of open space, including the expansion of Rajah Reserve and sustainable Green Star rated designs. Construction is staged over eight years with the first residents moved in during 2023.
Residential Development at 1 Greenfield Road
Approved development opportunity for 3 stunning two-storey townhouses with water views on a re-zoned and prepared vacant land parcel. This site was previously subject to a larger mixed-use development application.
Seaview Downs Primary School Redevelopment
Major upgrade project to deliver contemporary learning areas, new administration building, and demolition of ageing infrastructure, based on contemporary educational philosophies. The project received additional funding totaling $19.3 million.
Southern Suburbs Residential Policy Code Amendment
A proposed planning amendment affecting residential zones in Southern Suburbs, including Seaview Downs, to transition areas to Hills Neighbourhood Zone and facilitate low-density infill development.
OTR Seacombe Road Redevelopment
Upgrade of the existing OTR fuel and convenience site delivering a reconfigured car park, a convenience drive-through, 2.4m acoustic fencing, and new on-site amenities including dog wash and vacuum facilities. The store page indicates drive-through and dog wash services operating, consistent with works being completed.
Marion Cultural Centre Plaza Upgrade
The Marion Cultural Centre Plaza has been redeveloped to become a vibrant heart for the city, providing a space for community gatherings, celebrations, relaxation, and support for local businesses. The upgrade includes surface treatments, soft landscaping, tree planting, public art installations, and a new pedestrian crossing on Warracowie Way. It aims to enhance amenity with green spaces, strengthen community connections, offer flexibility for various functional uses, and create a sense of place aligned with the council's vision of a liveable, nature-valuing, engaged, connected, innovative, and prosperous community.The project also improved pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, safety, and amenity, linking local residential areas, Oaklands Station, MCC, SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Westfield, and other facilities on Milham Street, while retaining vehicle access to existing businesses and managing traffic.
1,415 residents of South Brighton are employed, from a labour force of 1,469. Unemployment sits at 3.7%, with participation at 61.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,110, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Statistical area aggregations from AreaSearch highlight a highly educated local workforce with robust representation in essential public services, an unemployment rate of just 3.7%, and an estimated 3.7% increase in jobs over the past twelve months. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,415, while the jobless rate sat 0.2% below Greater Adelaide's 3.8% mark, and labor participation registered at 61.9% compared to 66.4% across the broader metropolitan area. Census findings indicated that 14.6% of workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 restrictions. Primary fields of employment for local residents consist of health care & social assistance, education & training, along with public administration & safety.
The workforce demonstrates pronounced concentration in education & training, where representation reaches 1.2 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, manufacturing accounts for only 5.1% of local employment, trailing the 7.0% recorded across Greater Adelaide. Comparisons between the working population and resident counts at the Census suggest that local job opportunities within this primarily residential community remain limited. Synthesised ABS and SALM figures show that in the 12 months to March 2026, South Brighton experienced a 3.7% rise in employment alongside a 3.5% expansion in the workforce, driving a 0.2 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2% and the labor pool grow by 4.0%, also yielding a 0.2 percentage point fall. Industry forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide further context regarding long-term local labor requirements over five- and ten-year intervals. While nationwide employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sector trajectories vary considerably; applying these industry-specific rates to the local employment base suggests South Brighton will experience workforce growth of 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (note that this extrapolation represents a weighted benchmark and excludes localized population models).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in South Brighton is $1,601 a week (about $83,000 a year), with median personal income at $820 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,971 a year against an average of $71,787. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode data for financial year 2023 indicates above-average earnings in the suburb of South Brighton, where the median taxable income was $53,971 and the average stood at $71,787, compared with $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average) across Greater Adelaide. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023 lifts estimated levels to roughly $59,460 (median) and $79,088 (average) by March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes fell between the 41st and 53rd percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket accounts for 31.1% of residents (862 individuals), closely matching the metropolitan figure of 31.8%.
After meeting housing commitments, residents retain 84.9% of their income, placing the suburb in the 6th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
South Brighton had 1,139 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 71% detached houses and 3% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 28% rented and 38% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $335 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,898 a month. Rent absorbs 20.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, separate houses made up 71.3% of dwellings in South Brighton, while semi-detached homes, units, and other structural categories accounted for 28.7%, in contrast to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metro region. Outright home ownership reached 38.2%, notably exceeding metropolitan benchmarks, with 33.6% of properties mortgaged and 28.3% tenanted. Median monthly mortgage obligations were $1,898 compared to $1,562 across the Adelaide metro area, while median weekly rent was $335 against $320 regionally. Compared to nationwide figures, local monthly repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas weekly rents sit well below the national mark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
South Brighton counted 1,139 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 27% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 65.6% of local households, consisting of couples with children (27.1%), couples without children (27.7%), and single parent arrangements (9.8%). Non-family living structures make up the remaining 34.4%, dominated by single-person households at 30.9% and group residences at 3.1%. The area records a median household size of 2.3 people, slightly below the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
33.9% of adults in South Brighton hold a university qualification, including 22.9% with a bachelor degree and 7.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 90% of areas nationally. A further 20.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area is prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, outperforming both the South Australian benchmark of 25.7% and the SA4 regional figure of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees represent 22.9% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational qualifications are held by 31.5% of residents aged 15+, divided between certificates (20.1%) and advanced diplomas (11.4%). Formal study engages 23.8% of the local population. By educational stage, primary school students constitute 8.4%, higher education participants represent 5.5%, and secondary school attendees account for 5.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in South Brighton reaches 11 stops on 13 routes, timetabled for about 1,100 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport connectivity in South Brighton features 11 active bus stops across 13 distinct routes, generating 1,092 weekly passenger trips. Service access is strong, with the typical resident situated 180 meters from a stop. As an established residential community, outbound commuting predominates, with 84% traveling by car and 9% utilizing trains. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.2 per dwelling, below regional averages, while 14.6% of workers were based at home during the 2021 Census (reflecting COVID-19 circumstances). Across the entire network, services operate at an average rate of 156 trips per day, translating to roughly 99 departures weekly for each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.7% of residents in South Brighton report no long-term health condition. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators for South Brighton align closely with national standards, exhibiting low rates of common illnesses across the broader population, though prevalence increases within older, vulnerable cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is extensive at roughly 55% of residents (~1,534 people), tracking higher than the Greater Adelaide figure of 52.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent ailments, affecting 8.9% and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 66.7% reported no long-term medical conditions compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. While younger demographics experience favorable health metrics, seniors aged 65 and over comprise 24.9% of the population (690 people), well above the 19.1% regional level, presenting distinct health considerations that rank lower against national senior cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
25.0% of South Brighton residents were born overseas and 10.2% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.6%) and Australian (23.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in South Brighton exceeds regional averages, with 25.0% of residents born abroad and 10.2% using a language other than English in the home. Christianity represents the leading religious affiliation, accounting for 44.4% of the population, whereas Other religions comprise 1.2%, sitting just below the 1.8% recorded throughout Greater Adelaide. Regarding parental lineage, English ancestry leads at 33.6% (compared to 27.8% across the broader region), followed by Australian at 23.7% and Irish at 9.4%. Other notable ancestral representations include German at 4.8% (against 5.1% regionally), South Australian at 0.5% (against 0.3%), and Russian at 0.3% (against 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of South Brighton is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 25.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in South Brighton skews towards older demographics. Estimates for August 2026 indicate that seniors aged 65+ comprise 24.9% of the community, exceeding the Greater Adelaide share of 19.1%, whereas youth aged 0 - 24 represent 25.6% compared to 29.0% regionally. The estimated median age as at August 2026 is 44 years, mirroring the 2021 Census result, while sitting 5 years above Greater Adelaide's 39 and higher than the national median of 38 at that Census. Since then, residents aged 45 - 64 have declined from 25.8% to 23.5%.
By 2041, older cohorts are forecast to drive local growth by adding 163 residents (24%) to total 853.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for South Brighton
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 3 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,763 at the 2021 Census → 2,772 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41353). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.