South Brighton

Population growth drivers in South Brighton 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 suburb of South Brighton's population is estimated at around 2,789 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 26 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,763 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,781 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,031 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, South Brighton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted 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, with the suburb expected to expand by 297 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 14.1% 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

South Brighton averaged approximately 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 51 homes. So far in FY-26, there have been 3 recorded approvals. On average, 3.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

New supply has not kept up with demand, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $713,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year, there have been $4.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, South Brighton shows around 59% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally. The area has seen approximately 70% detached dwellings and 30% attached dwellings, offering a mix of housing types across price ranges. With around 302 people per approval, South Brighton reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to increase by 393 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with growth projections, but buyers may face growing competition as the population increases.

South Brighton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected 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 likely to be relevant.

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South Brighton has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

South Brighton has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, lower than the national average, and it experienced an employment growth of 1.5% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 1,451 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, slightly below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide at 61.7%. The leading employment industries among South Brighton residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Notably, the area has a strong specialization in education & training with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing has limited presence at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Brighton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

South Brighton had a median taxpayer income of $53,971 and an average income of $71,787 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. These figures are higher than Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,895 (median) and $80,997 (average), based on a 12.83% increase since the financial year 2022. The 2021 Census places household, family, and personal incomes in South Brighton between the 41st and 53rd percentiles. Income brackets show that 31.1% of South Brighton's population (867 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, a pattern similar to surrounding regions where 31.8% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

South Brighton's dwellings were 71.3% houses and 28.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings) as per the latest Census, compared to Adelaide metro's 52.9% houses and 47.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Brighton was 38.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,898, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in South Brighton was $335, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, South Brighton's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households making up 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 at 33.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the South African 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+, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (20.1%).

A significant 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.4% in primary, 5.5% in tertiary, and 5.4% in secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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 within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 13 individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,092.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 180 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is 156 trips per day across all routes, 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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,543 people), compared to 58.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.9 and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 66.7% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Greater Adelaide. There are 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (680 people), 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.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in South Brighton was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

South Brighton's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 10.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.4%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.2%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.6%), Australian (23.7%), and Irish (9.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: German was overrepresented at 4.8% compared to the regional average of 5.5%, South African stood at 0.5% versus 0.4%, and Russian remained relatively stable at 0.3%.

South Brighton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in South Brighton is 44 years, which is notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, the 75-84 age cohort is significantly over-represented in South Brighton at 9.4%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.0% to 9.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 10.1% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.1%. By 2041, South Brighton's population is projected to undergo substantial demographic changes. The 85+ age cohort is expected to surge dramatically, expanding by 92 people (110%) from 83 to 176. This aging population trend is evident as those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 52% of the growth. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age cohort shows minimal growth of just 3%, adding only 4 people.