Surrey Downs

Surrey Downs is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Surrey Downs' estimated population is around 3618. This reflects an increase of 260 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3358. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3515 residents following their examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and four additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2219 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Surrey Downs' growth of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 7.2%. Natural growth contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate a growth of 402 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.7% over the 17 years, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Surrey Downs according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Surrey Downs averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals each year. From FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 54 homes were approved, with 10 more in FY-26 so far. Over these five years, about 1.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new dwellings was $354,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, there have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating Surrey Downs' residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Surrey Downs records about 67% of building activity per person and ranks at the 43rd percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing dwellings.

This reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction has been detached dwellings, preserving Surrey Downs' suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 383 people per approval. By 2041, Surrey Downs is projected to grow by 242 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Surrey Downs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are expected to impact this particular area. Notable projects include the Tea Tree Gully Sustainable Sewers Program, Illyarrie Reserve Enhancement, Golden Grove Neighbourhood Code Amendment (Stage 1), and Golden Grove Road Upgrade. The following list outlines those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Surrey Downs performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Surrey Downs has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate was 1.5% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%. In Surrey Downs, 1,957 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.4% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Surrey Downs was 66.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are particularly notable, at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employ just 5.3% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.8% alongside labour force increasing by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Surrey Downs' employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Surrey Downs is below the national average. The median income is $53,363 and the average income stands at $59,609. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,059 (median) and $64,855 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Surrey Downs, between the 45th and 54th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 39.0% of the population (1,411 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. After housing, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Surrey Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Surrey Downs' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's composition of 88.6% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Surrey Downs stood at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.7% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,473, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. Weekly rent median in Surrey Downs was $330, matching Adelaide metro's figure. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national average of $375.

Surrey Downs has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.9 percent of all households, including 32.5 percent couples with children, 27.6 percent couples without children, and 14.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.1 percent, with lone person households at 23.5 percent and group households making up 1.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Educational outcomes in Surrey Downs fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 31.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Surrey Downs has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 19 different routes that together facilitate 1,340 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 151 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 191 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Surrey Downs faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of its total population (~1,829 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 9.5% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.1%. A total of 64.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (625 people), which is lower than the 21.2% in Greater Adelaide. This is broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Surrey Downs ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Surrey Downs had cultural diversity levels below average, with 80.7% of its population born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 92.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 39.9% of Surrey Downs' population. However, the most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.8% compared to Greater Adelaide's 2.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 34.1%, Australian at 27.9%, and Scottish at 6.8%. Notably, German (6.2%), Dutch (1.7%), and Polish (0.9%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 5.8%, 1.5%, and 1.2% respectively.

Surrey Downs's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Surrey Downs has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's national median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, Surrey Downs has an over-representation of the 5-14 age cohort (13.0% locally) and an under-representation of those aged 85+ (1.6%). Between 2021 and present, the population share of the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.7% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 11.7%, and the 65-74 age group dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Surrey Downs' age profile. The number of those aged 85+ is projected to surge dramatically, increasing by 95 people (a rise of 164%) from 57 to 153. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.