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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 2,771 residents. That puts 3,012 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
The suburb of South Brighton is estimated to have a population of around 2,771 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census. This figure represents an increase of 8 people (0.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,763 people. The adjustment stems from a resident population of 2,763, as estimated by AreaSearch after reviewing the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025), plus an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 3,012 persons per square kilometer, which positions the suburb within the upper quartile of national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. Recent population growth in the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which served as the only significant source of population gains during recent periods. Projections established by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as their starting point, are used for SA2 areas. For zones without this dataset and for horizons past 2032, regional and LGA forecasts by age bracket from the South Australian government released in 2023 (based on 2021 numbers) are implemented, adjusted through a weighted synthesis of growth from LGA scales down to SA2 zones. Looking ahead, the suburb of South Brighton is projected to see growth slightly below the midpoint of areas tracked by AreaSearch, with forecasts pointing to an increase of 280 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 9.8% over the 16-year span.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
41 new dwellings have been approved in South Brighton over the past five years, an average of 8 a year. That is 3.0 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
According to building permit statistics from the ABS allocated to local levels, South Brighton has averaged roughly 8 residential approvals annually, cumulative to about 41 homes over the previous 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, no building approvals have been registered. With an average of only 0.1 new inhabitants per year per built home over the five financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, residential construction is keeping pace with or outstripping demand, which broadens buyer choices and supports population expansion that may outpace current projections. Additionally, commercial development permits reached $3.6 million this financial year, highlighting the primarily residential layout of the neighborhood.
In comparison to the broader Adelaide metropolitan area, residential construction in South Brighton is significantly suppressed, running 52.0% under the metropolitan per-capita average. This limited addition of housing stock generally bolsters demand and valuations for pre-existing homes. The volume of building is also low relative to national standards, demonstrating the mature state of the local market and potential constraints on expansion. The composition of new residential builds stands at 71.0% freestanding houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, upholding the suburban atmosphere with a preference for detached dwellings that draw buyers looking for space. The neighborhood averages approximately 553 residents for every single residential approval, which is characteristic of an established community. Projections indicate that South Brighton will gain 272 residents by 2041, starting from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch. Home construction is currently tracking in line with these population projections, though buyers might face increased competition as the local population expands.
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
Local infrastructure projects, planning changes, and major works are key influences on property performance. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the local area. The main developments of interest include the Southern Suburbs Residential Policy Code Amendment, the Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access project, the Adelaide Inner and Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, and the North South Corridor, with the list below details on those most relevant.
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.
1,434 residents of South Brighton are employed, from a labour force of 1,488. Unemployment sits at 3.6%, with participation at 62.3%. 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 2,100, 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
South Brighton features a highly skilled labor pool with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 3.6%, and an estimated employment growth of 4.0% during the previous year, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,434 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands 0.2% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 62.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census data indicates that a moderate 14.6% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be considered when interpreting these figures.
The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare and social assistance, education and training, along with public administration and safety. The neighborhood shows a clear concentration in education and training, where the employment share is 1.2 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing is less prevalent, employing 5.1% of the local workforce compared to 7.0% across Greater Adelaide. The heavily residential nature of the locality suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted, as shown by comparing the count of local workers against the resident population. Employment levels rose by 4.0% and the labour force grew by 3.8% during the year to March 2026, which led to a 0.2 percentage point decline in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 4.2% and the labour force expand by 4.0%, with unemployment also dropping by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia published national employment forecasts starting from May-25 to help understand future demand in South Brighton. These forecasts span five and ten year periods and were compared with local employment data to project growth trends. National employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though growth varies across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to South Brighton's current employment composition, local employment is projected to rise by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years. This estimate uses a simple weighting method for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate local population projections.
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
Tax office data for the 2023 financial year shows that resident earnings in South Brighton exceed the national average, with a median of $53,971 and an average of $71,787. This compares to a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 for Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a 10.17% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median of $59,460 and an average of $79,088 as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes are moderate, placing between the 41st and 53rd percentiles nationally.
The largest group of earners consists of 31.1% of residents (861 people) who fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring the metropolitan area where this segment accounts for 31.8% of the population. After paying for housing, residents retain 84.9% of their income for other living costs, and the SEIFA score places the suburb in the 6th decile for income.
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
The housing stock in South Brighton at the time of the latest Census consisted of 71.3% separate houses and 28.7% other housing options like semi-detached properties and apartments, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metropolitan area. Home ownership was notably higher than the metro average at 38.2%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (33.6%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the metropolitan average of $1,562, coming in at $1,898, while the median weekly rent was $335, compared to $320 across Greater Adelaide.
Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb exceed the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are significantly lower than the national median 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
Family households make up the largest share of homes at 65.6%, which includes 27.1% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.4% of dwellings, consisting of single-person households at 30.9% and group living situations at 3.1%. The median household size of 2.3 people is slightly below the Greater Adelaide average 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
The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates at 33.9% of residents aged 15 and over, exceeding the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 regional average of 28.1%. This highlights a strong focus on tertiary studies. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Technical and vocational qualifications are also common, with 31.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding these credentials, split between advanced diplomas at 11.4% and vocational certificates at 20.1%.
A significant 23.8% of the population is enrolled in educational programs. This student population includes 8.4% in primary schools, 5.5% in higher education, and 5.4% in high schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in South Brighton reaches 11 stops on 14 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 includes 11 active transit stops in South Brighton, consisting of bus services. These stops connect to 14 separate routes that provide 1,094 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 180 meters from the nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the suburb of South Brighton, most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles are the main transport method at 84%, while 9% of commuters use trains. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.2 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average.
Additionally, 14.6% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions. Transit service frequency averages 156 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 99 weekly departures for each 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 show favorable conditions for local residents, with analyses of mortality rates and chronic illnesses matching national averages. While the rate of common health issues is low among the general population, it increases among older, higher-risk groups. The rate of private health insurance coverage is notably high, with approximately 55% of the population (~1,534 people) having private coverage, compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. The most prevalent medical issues reported locally are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 8.9% and 8.8% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 66.7% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide.
Residents under the age of 65 show better health profiles than average. The suburb has 25.5% of its population aged 65 and older (706 people), which is higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 19.2%. Senior health profiles show some difficulties, though they rank more favorably when compared to national figures than the broader population.
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 is higher than the regional average, with 10.2% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 25.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 44.4% of the local population. However, the most notable difference is in the category of Other religions, which represents 1.2% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding family heritage and parental birthplaces, the three largest ancestral groups are English at 33.6% of the population, which is higher than the metropolitan average of 27.8%, Australian at 23.7%, and Irish at 9.4%.
There are also differences in other backgrounds: German ancestry accounts for 4.8% of the local population (compared to 5.1% across the region), South Australian heritage represents 0.5% (compared to 0.3%), and Russian ancestry stands at 0.3% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of South Brighton is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 24.9% 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 median age of 44 in the suburb of South Brighton is higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 age group is more common locally, accounting for 10.2% of residents compared to the metropolitan average, while children aged 5 - 14 are less common at 9.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 8.0% to 10.2% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 12.3% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 11.8%.
Demographic projections for 2041 indicate significant changes, with the 85 and over cohort expected to increase by 86 people (104%), rising from 83 to 170. This aging trend is clear, with residents aged 65 and older representing 56% of the projected population growth. In contrast, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to contract by 5 people.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 5 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,763 at the 2021 Census → 2,771 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 May 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.