Underdale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Underdale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the Underdale statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 2,718. This reflects an increase of 289 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,429 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,618, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,664 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Underdale (SA2)'s 11.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's 8.7%, along with the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 89.0% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected for the Underdale (SA2), with the area expected to grow by 348 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Underdale when compared nationally

Underdale has seen approximately 14 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 71 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, each new home attracts about 1.9 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand dynamic in Underdale's housing market. Developers focus on premium properties, with new constructions averaging $465,000. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $9.5 million, indicating moderate commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Underdale exhibits 13.0% lower construction activity per capita but ranks in the 81st percentile nationally for development activity. Recent periods have shown an increase in development activity. New developments consist of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% medium to high-density housing, offering diverse living options from family homes to compact dwellings. Underdale's population growth is projected to add 178 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Underdale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Southwark Grounds (Thebarton Technology Hub), Henley Beach Road Visioning Project, Harbour Town Premium Outlets Adelaide Expansion, and North South Corridor. The following list 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.

Employment performance in Underdale exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Underdale's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.9%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,490 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 0.1% below Greater Adelaide's. Workforce participation in Underdale was 66.9%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Finance & insurance employment levels are notably high at 1.4 times the regional average. Manufacturing employs only 5.6% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.0%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7 as at the Census, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.9% while labour force grew by 3.8%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Underdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch reports that based on its aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Underdale's median taxpayer income was $53,661 and average income was $67,028. These figures align with national averages and compare to Greater Adelaide levels of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $58,383 and average income $72,926, accounting for an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Underdale's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 40th and 55th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 30.3% of locals (823 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to regional patterns where 31.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Underdale, with only 84.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Underdale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Underdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 63.9% houses and 36.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Underdale stood at 31.1%, mirroring Adelaide metro's figure, with mortgaged dwellings also at 31.1% and rented dwellings at 37.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Underdale was $1,786, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,745. Median weekly rent in Underdale was $310, matching the Adelaide metro figure of $310. Nationally, Underdale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Underdale features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 62.4% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.6%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households comprising 5.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the Greater Adelaide average.

Educational attainment in Underdale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 35.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and that of Greater Adelaide at 28.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 18.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 5.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 14 operational transport stops in Underdale, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 24 distinct routes, offering a total of 1682 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents situated an average of 153 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 240 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 120 weekly trips per individual stop.

Underdale's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Underdale, with low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,453 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.6% and 6.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.1%, report being completely free of medical ailments compared to 70.9% across Greater Adelaide. Underdale has 16.8% of its population aged 65 and over (456 people), with seniors exhibiting strong health outcomes broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Underdale was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Underdale has a high level of cultural diversity, with 33.6% of its population born overseas and 35.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Underdale, making up 49.6% of its population. However, the most notable overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, which comprises 3.9% of the population compared to 3.1% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (19.1%), Australian (18.2%), and Other (12.3%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Greek is overrepresented at 6.6%, Italian at 10.9%, and Indian at 4.9%.

Underdale's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Underdale has a median age of 38, nearly matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Underdale has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (16.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 75-84 year-olds (4.8%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 16.8% of Underdale's population, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Underdale's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 59 people (18%), from 331 to 391. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting Underdale's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 35-44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.