South Brighton

Population growth drivers in South Brighton are above average 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 since the Census South Brighton's population is estimated at around 2,987 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 224 people (8.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,763 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,852 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,246 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Brighton's 8.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 7.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected for South Brighton (SA2), with an expected expansion by 301 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees South Brighton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows South Brighton averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 66 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built has led to an average of 2.6 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $713,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting South Brighton's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, South Brighton shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 60th percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 249 people per approval, South Brighton reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate South Brighton to add 199 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

South Brighton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to impact this area. Notable projects include Southern Suburbs Residential Policy Code Amendment, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, and North South Corridor. The following list details those most relevant:.

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Employment performance in South Brighton has been broadly consistent with national averages

South Brighton has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%. As of September 2025, 1,471 residents are employed, with a participation rate similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Education & training is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing has limited presence at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force grew by 3.2%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows South Australia's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Brighton's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of South Brighton had a median taxpayer income of $53,971 and an average income of $71,787 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, with Greater Adelaide's median income being $54,808 and average income being $66,852. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,720 (median) and $78,104 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in South Brighton ranked modestly, between the 41st and 53rd percentiles. Income brackets showed that 31.1% of the population (928 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% occupied this range. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remained for other expenses, and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

South Brighton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In South Brighton, as per the latest Census evaluation, 71.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 28.7% being other dwelling types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In comparison, Adelaide metro had a higher proportion of other dwellings at 47.2%, while houses made up 52.9%. Home ownership in South Brighton was similar to that of Adelaide metro, with 38.2% owning their homes outright. The rest were either mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in South Brighton was $1,898, which is lower than the Adelaide metro average of $1,950 but slightly higher than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in South Brighton was recorded at $335, substantially below both the Adelaide metro figure of $340 and the national average of $375.

South Brighton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.6% of all households, including 27.1% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

Educational achievement in South Brighton places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 33.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 region's rate of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 20.1%.

A significant 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.4% in primary education, 5.5% in tertiary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

South Brighton has 11 active public transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 14 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,094 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 180 meters from their nearest stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 156 trips per day, equating to approximately 99 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in South Brighton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

South Brighton faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,653 people), compared to 58.8% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.9 and 8.8% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point seven percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (728 people), which is lower than the 28.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, South Brighton records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Brighton has a higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 10.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 44.4% of South Brighton's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.2%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.6%), Australian (23.7%), and Irish (9.4%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: German is overrepresented at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 5.5%, South African is slightly higher at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Russian remains relatively stable at 0.3%.

South Brighton hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in South Brighton is 44 years, notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, South Brighton has a notable over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort at 9.4%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.4% of the population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for South Brighton in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly by 87 people (98%), from 89 to 177. This aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.