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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Surrey Downs' population is estimated at around 3,618 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 260 people (7.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,358 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,515 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,219 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Surrey Downs' 7.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 7.2%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 67.0% of overall 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 411 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Surrey Downs averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals each year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 54 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This suggests balanced supply and demand dynamics, fostering stability in the market. The average value of new dwellings developed was $354,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Surrey Downs records approximately 67% of the building activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is indicative of the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. All new construction in Surrey Downs has been detached dwellings, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 383 people per approval, it indicates a mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Surrey Downs is expected to grow by 243 residents through to 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Surrey Downs has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch identified two projects that could impact the area. Key projects are Tea Tree Gully Sustainable Sewers Program, Illyarrie Reserve Enhancement, Golden Grove Neighbourhood Code Amendment (Stage 1), and Golden Grove Road Upgrade. The following details those 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 comprising white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 1.5% as of September 2025, and employment grew by an estimated 1.8% over the past year. Compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.9%, Surrey Downs' unemployment rate was 2.4% lower, with workforce participation at 69.5%.

Census data from 2025 showed that 10.2% of residents worked from home. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with construction being particularly notable at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment was lower than Greater Adelaide's rate, at 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by its Census working population vs resident population count.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.8% alongside labour force growth of 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. 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, based on industry-specific projections mapped against the local employment profile.

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 in Surrey Downs rank modestly, between the 45th and 54th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 39.0% of the population, which is 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 expenses, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Surrey Downs' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Surrey Downs stood at 30.5%, mirroring Adelaide metro's figure, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.7% and rented ones at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,473, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. Weekly rent in Surrey Downs was $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Surrey Downs' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 74.9% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 23.5% and group households making up 1.7%. 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 26.8%, with 11.4% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 19 different routes, facilitating 1,340 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 151 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential zone, most commuters travel outward, predominantly by car (89%), with only 9% using buses. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 191 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Surrey Downs are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Surrey Downs shows below-average health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,829 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.5 and 9.1% of residents respectively. 64.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (647 people), lower than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 a cultural diversity index below the 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, comprising 39.9% of Surrey Downs' population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 0.8%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.1%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (6.8%), all higher than regional averages. Additionally, German (6.2%) Dutch (1.7%), and Polish (0.9%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of 5.1%, 1.2%, and 1.0% 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 average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Surrey Downs has an over-representation of the 5-14 age cohort (13.1% locally) and an under-representation of the 75-84 year-olds (5.9%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.7% to 12.0%, while those aged 85+ increased from 0.9% to 2.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 13.0% to 11.6% and the 65-74 cohort dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Surrey Downs' age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to surge by 83 people (116%), increasing from 72 to 156 residents. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is expected to decrease by 40 residents.