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 estimated population of Underdale is around 2,641. This reflects an increase of 212 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,429. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,633, 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 2,589 persons per square kilometer, placing Underdale in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 7.1%. Population growth for Underdale was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing 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 areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian statistical areas, with Underdale expected to grow by 349 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.7% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Underdale when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Underdale has experienced around 16 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 82 homes were approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional eight approved so far in FY-26.

On average, about 1.7 new residents have arrived per new home constructed over these five years. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new properties is $465,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Underdale has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. New development consists of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a range of medium-density options and creating opportunities across various price brackets. The location currently has approximately 97 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate that Underdale will add around 256 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Underdale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could significantly affect this area. Major projects potentially impacting the region include Thebarton Technology Hub, Henley Beach Road Visioning Project, Harbour Town Premium Outlets Adelaide Expansion, and North South Corridor. Relevant details are outlined below.

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Employment performance in Underdale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Underdale has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%, with estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,483 residents are employed, aligning with Greater Adelaide's 4.0% unemployment rate and exceeding its workforce participation rate (66.9% vs. 61.7%). Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, finance & insurance has a high concentration of jobs at 1.4 times the regional average.

Manufacturing's presence is limited with 5.6% employment compared to the regional 7.0%. The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.7 indicates ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Underdale's employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, raising unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1% with marginal unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Underdale's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 6.7% in five years and 14.0% in ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Underdale's median income among taxpayers was $53,661 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $67,028 during the same period. These figures are slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates for Underdale would be approximately $60,546 (median) and $75,628 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Underdale rank modestly, between the 40th and 55th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 30.3% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 31.8% in the same category. 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, consisted of 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 63.9% houses and 36.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Underdale was at 31.1%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 31.1%, while rented dwellings were 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 recorded at $310, aligning with Adelaide metro's figure of $310. Nationally, Underdale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 make up the remaining 37.6%, composed of 31.9% lone person households and 5.4% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and that of Greater Adelaide (28.9%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 18.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary, 6.5% in tertiary, and 5.6% in secondary education. The area offers educational provision through Nazareth Catholic College - St Gabriel Centre Campus and Underdale High School, collectively serving 628 students as of the latest data (ICSEA: 998). Secondary education dominates with two schools, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. The area functions as an education hub with 23.8 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 13.8 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 14 active stops in Underdale, served by buses on 23 routes. These routes facilitate 1,680 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 153 meters.

Daily service frequency is 240 trips across all routes, equating to around 120 weekly trips per stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Underdale.

Prevalence of common health conditions is very low across all age groups. Approximately 53% of the total population (~1,412 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 6.6 and 6.4% of residents respectively. 74.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of June 20XX, 16.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (446 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Underdale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Underdale's cultural diversity is notable, 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, accounting for 49.6% of people. However, the category 'Other' is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 3.9% versus 3.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (19.1%), Australian (18.2%), and Other (12.3%). Some ethnic groups show significant representation: Greek at 6.6%, Italian at 10.9%, and Indian at 4.9%.

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

Underdale's median age is 38, closely aligning with Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and matching Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Underdale at 16.8%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 75-84 age group is under-represented at 4.9%. Between 2021 and present day, the percentage of the population aged 25-34 has increased from 16.1% to 16.8%, while the 55-64 age cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Underdale's age profile. The 45-54 age group is projected to expand by 68 people (21%), growing from 322 to 391 residents. Conversely, the 0-4 age group is projected to decrease by 5 residents.