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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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Toorak Gardens has an estimated 2,490 residents, down from 2,604 at the 2021 Census — a change of 114 people, or 4.4%. The population has thinned by an average 1.2% a year over five years, slower than 99% of areas nationally. That puts 2,284 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
According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Toorak Gardens has an estimated population of approximately 2,490 as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 114 residents (4.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,604 people. The variation is derived from the resident population of 2,489, calculated by AreaSearch after analyzing the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and address verification after the Census date. This population level yields a density ratio of 2,284 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average across national locations evaluated by AreaSearch.
Local population expansion was mostly fueled by overseas migration, which served as almost the sole driver of population gains over recent periods. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, and for periods after 2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age group, published in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are implemented with adjustments made through a weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking forward at demographic patterns in the suburb of Toorak Gardens, a population rise slightly below the median of statistical areas nationwide is anticipated, with the area projected to grow by 225 residents to 2041 based on combined SA2-level projections, showing an overall expansion of 9.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development in Toorak Gardens has been minimal, with only a single approval recorded over a five-year timeframe. This indicates that the area is almost entirely developed, with very little vacant land remaining for new projects. Established neighborhoods like this typically experience consistent demand for existing properties, as buyers have almost no new-build alternatives. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Toorak Gardens demonstrates significantly lower levels of construction. This restricted rate of new building generally reinforces demand and valuations for existing homes. This pace is also lower than the national average, showcasing the maturity of the local market and highlighting potential planning or physical constraints on new projects.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Toorak Gardens
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Toorak Gardens, worth an estimated $400 million. A further 8 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $860 million. 3 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, residential development 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, major planning decisions, and development programs are major factors in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 2 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key initiatives include the Glenside Development, the Burnside Village Expansion, the SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, and the SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, with details provided below for those of highest relevance.
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
Glenside by Cedar Woods
Masterplanned redevelopment of the former Glenside Hospital site into a residential community of about 1,200 homes, including apartments and townhomes, with retained heritage buildings, landscaped streets, community open space and links to the Adelaide Park Lands. Several apartment stages, including Banksia and Bloom stages, are complete, while Cedar Woods continues to deliver the remaining apartment precincts. A 2025 Planning and Design Code Amendment has increased permitted height in a localised north-west corner from 8 to 20 storeys, enabling up to about 200 additional homes, subject to future development application approval.
Norwood Green
A $120 million master-planned mixed-use community at 100 Magill Road, Norwood, built on the former Caroma factory site. The precinct comprises 111 apartments across five seven-storey buildings and 33 townhouses, arranged around a communal village green. Ground-floor retail includes an ALDI supermarket, East End Cellars, cafes and specialty tenants. Designed by Tectvs architects and jointly developed by Buildtec Group and Catcorp. Final stage apartments are now available, with earlier stages completed and occupied.
Regis Aged Care Parkside
Construction of a five-storey residential aged care facility (supported accommodation) comprising 156 accommodation units with ancillary communal areas, solar photovoltaic panels, water tanks, car parking, and landscaping. The site, formerly approved for a mixed-use development, was acquired and repurposed by Regis Aged Care.
Osmond Terrace Mixed-Use Development
Proposed contemporary mixed-use development delivering 85 apartments with ground-floor retail and commercial spaces at 66-78 Osmond Terrace, opposite Norwood Oval in the inner-eastern Adelaide suburb of Norwood.
Burnside Village Expansion
Major expansion of Burnside Village shopping center bringing luxury brands including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Coco Republic to Adelaide. Features premium retail spaces, dining precincts, and enhanced parking facilities in a $200 million redevelopment.
Unley Road Public Realm Streetscape Upgrade
Council project to revitalise Unley Road between Park Street and Thomas Street. Works include new street furniture, planting beds, way-finding signage, and renewal of footpaths and kerbing.
Glen Osmond Road Pedestrian Crossing Safety Upgrade
Safety improvements at the pedestrian crossing on Glen Osmond Road near Parkside Primary School to enhance pedestrian safety and traffic flow management for school children and families.
Porter St, Parkside
224 residential apartments in two unique buildings with amenities like a dog wash, pool, and gym. Tailored for teachers and essential workers, offering affordable rental housing with co-working spaces and offices.
1,369 residents of Toorak Gardens are employed, from a labour force of 1,382. Unemployment sits at 0.9%, with participation at 64.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,109, about 85% 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
Toorak Gardens is characterized by a highly educated labor force, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and 2.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,369 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.9% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 4.6% employment compared to 8.7% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.9% alongside labour force increasing by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Toorak Gardens. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Toorak Gardens's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Toorak Gardens is $2,286 a week (about $119,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,068 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $63,863 a year against an average of $104,598. The average runs 64% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. 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
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Toorak Gardens is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $63,863 while the average income stands at $104,598. This contrasts to 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 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,358 (median) and $115,236 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Toorak Gardens, between the 82nd and 84th percentiles nationally.
Looking at income distribution, 32.0% of the population (796 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.8%. This suburb demonstrates considerable affluence with 40.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 89.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Toorak Gardens had 1,022 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 65% detached houses and 5% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 27% rented and 47% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $320 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,575 a month. Rent absorbs 14.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of residences in Toorak Gardens at the most recent Census consisted of 65.1% standalone houses and 34.9% alternative housing types, such as duplexes, townhouses, apartments, and other dwellings, which differs from the Adelaide metro split of 75.2% houses and 24.9% alternative dwellings. The proportion of residents who own their homes outright was significantly higher than the metropolitan average, standing at 47.0%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (25.7%) or occupied by tenants (27.3%). Repayments for home loans were substantially higher than the wider Adelaide metro average, with a median monthly mortgage payment of $2,575, whereas the median weekly rent stood at $320, in comparison to metropolitan figures of $1,562 and $320.
On a national level, home loan repayments in Toorak Gardens are notably higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while rental costs are significantly lower than the countrywide standard of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Toorak Gardens counted 1,022 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 28% 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
Most households in the area are structured around families, which account for 70.1% of the total, comprising 32.9% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 6.9% single parents. The remaining 29.9% consists of non-family households, where lone individuals make up 27.6% and group living situations comprise 2.1% of the total. The typical household size is 2.5 residents, which is identical to the average recorded across Greater Adelaide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
55.5% of adults in Toorak Gardens hold a university qualification, including 34.4% with a bachelor degree and 16.9% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 84% of areas nationally. A further 10.8% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 51 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,114 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The level of educational qualifications in Toorak Gardens is notably higher than regional averages, as 55.5% of residents aged 15 and over have completed university degrees, compared to 25.7% throughout SA and 28.9% across Greater Adelaide. This elevated level of academic achievement positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Among these graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 16.9% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%. Vocational training accounts for 19.8% of qualifications for those aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 10.8%.
Enrollment in education is remarkably strong, with 31.3% of the local population actively participating in academic programs. This cohort includes 9.7% studying in high schools, 8.9% attending universities or colleges, and 8.3% enrolled in primary schools.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Toorak Gardens reaches 15 stops on 20 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 1.5 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
Analysis of commuting networks shows 15 active public transport stops within the suburb of Toorak Gardens, offering bus services. These stops support 20 different routes, which manage a combined total of 1,139 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is highly rated, with residents situated an average of 177 meters from their closest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers travel out of the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport mode at 83%, followed by bus transit at 7% and bicycle travel at 4%. The average rate of car ownership is 1.5 vehicles per household.
A total of 17.7% of residents performed their jobs from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions. The average service frequency is 162 daily trips across the transit network, which translates to approximately 75 weekly journeys for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.0% of residents in Toorak Gardens report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 93% of areas nationally. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 68.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
The community of Toorak Gardens displays superb health characteristics, evidenced by AreaSearch's analysis of low mortality rates and minimal chronic disease rates across all age brackets. Private health insurance participation is exceptionally high, covering approximately 68% of the local population (1,698 residents), which stands in contrast to the 52.7% observed throughout Greater Adelaide and the national benchmark of 55.7%. The most prevalent health concerns in the community are arthritis and mental health conditions, which affect 7.1% and 6.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 71.0% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide.
The working-age cohort is particularly healthy, showing low rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and older make up 26.2% of the population (652 residents), exceeding the Greater Adelaide share of 19.2%. The health status of these older citizens is strong, with national indicators matching the positive trends of the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
27.1% of Toorak Gardens residents were born overseas and 20.5% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.1%) and Australian (20.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Toorak Gardens exhibits a higher degree of multicultural representation than most comparable local property markets, with 27.1% of the population born outside Australia and 20.5% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, claimed by 50.6% of residents. The most noticeable variation from regional averages is in the category of other faiths, which represents 1.2% of the population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding parentage, the three most common backgrounds in Toorak Gardens are English at 27.1% of the population, Australian at 20.9%, and Irish at 7.6%.
There are also distinct variations in other heritages: French ancestry is overrepresented at 0.8% of the population (compared to 0.4% in the wider region), Italian at 6.4% (compared to 5.2%), and Greek at 3.2% (compared to 2.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Toorak Gardens is 47, older than 85% of areas nationally. 24.4% 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 47 indicates that Toorak Gardens has an older demographic profile than Greater Adelaide, where the median is 39, and the nation, where the median is 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of individuals aged 75 to 84 (10.4%), while the 25 to 34 age bracket is relatively small (9.0%) compared to Greater Adelaide. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 rose from 8.5% to 10.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort expanded from 13.7% to 15.4%, whereas the 65 to 74 group decreased from 14.0% to 12.5%.
Projections for 2041 indicate significant changes in the age profile, led by an 81% expansion in the 85 and older cohort (an increase of 66 people, rising from 82 to 149). The combined cohorts aged 65 and older are expected to make up 61% of all population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the cohort aged 5 to 14 is projected to decrease by two residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Toorak Gardens
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 1 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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,604 at the 2021 Census → 2,490 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 (SAL41461). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.