Adelaide Population 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Population in Adelaide 2025

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, continues to demonstrate remarkable population growth and demographic transformation as Australia’s fifth-largest metropolis. Situated between the stunning Gulf St Vincent and the scenic Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide has evolved into one of the nation’s most liveable cities, attracting residents from across Australia and around the world. The city’s population dynamics reflect broader national trends while maintaining distinct characteristics that set it apart from other Australian capitals.

The Adelaide metropolitan area encompasses a diverse range of communities spanning from coastal suburbs to the Adelaide Hills, creating a unique urban landscape that balances city living with natural beauty. As the primary population center of South Australia, Adelaide accounts for approximately 78.2% of the state’s total residents, making it the dominant urban hub in the region. The city’s demographic profile reveals a population that is younger than regional South Australia, more culturally diverse than ever before, and experiencing sustained growth driven by both natural increase and migration patterns.

Interesting Facts About Adelaide Population 2025

Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population Data 2024; PlanSA Current Population Statistics 2024; ABS Regional Population by Age and Sex 2024

Adelaide’s population landscape presents fascinating statistics that underscore its position as Australia’s most affordable major capital city. The Greater Adelaide Capital City Statistical Area (GCCSA) recorded 1.469 million people living within its boundaries as of June 30, 2024, representing substantial growth from previous years. This growth trajectory positions Adelaide as one of the nation’s consistently performing metropolitan areas, with an impressive annual increase of 22,125 persons translating to a 1.53% growth rate during the 2023-24 financial year.

The demographic composition reveals that Adelaide maintains a significantly younger median age of 39.2 years compared to regional South Australia’s 47.0 years, indicating the metropolitan area’s appeal to working-age residents and young families. The population density of 422.3 persons per square kilometer demonstrates Adelaide’s manageable urban sprawl compared to more congested eastern capitals. Notably, the sex ratio of 96.0 males per 100 females in Adelaide contrasts with regional areas where males outnumber females at 104.4 males per 100 females, reflecting different demographic patterns between urban and rural communities. The City of Adelaide itself, covering just 15.57 square kilometers, houses 27,901 residents with a significantly higher density of 1,792 persons per square kilometer, showcasing the concentrated urban core surrounded by suburban expansion.

Adelaide Population Growth Trends 2025

Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Population 2024; MacroTrends Adelaide Metro Population Data; PlanSA Population Statistics 2024

Adelaide’s population growth has demonstrated remarkable consistency over the past decade, establishing the city as one of Australia’s most reliable growth markets. From 1,345,000 residents in 2021 to 1,469,000 in mid-2024, the metropolitan area added approximately 124,000 new residents over just three years. The most significant acceleration occurred between 2023 and 2024, when Adelaide recorded its strongest annual growth of 22,125 persons at 1.53%, substantially higher than the previous year’s more modest 0.81% increase.

This growth trajectory reflects Adelaide’s increasing attractiveness to both interstate and overseas migrants, positioning the city among Australia’s top-performing capital cities for population expansion. Historical data reveals Adelaide’s population has more than tripled since 1950, when just 429,277 people called the city home. The 2024 growth rate of 1.53% places Adelaide ahead of Tasmania (0.3%) but behind Western Australia’s leading 2.8% growth rate nationally. Population projections vary across different models, with conservative estimates suggesting Adelaide will reach approximately 1.393 million by 2025, while more optimistic forecasts based on higher migration scenarios predict growth to 1.581 million residents. The variance in projections reflects different assumptions about net overseas migration, interstate migration patterns, and natural increase rates. Regardless of the specific outcome, all projections confirm Adelaide’s continued upward population trajectory, with sustained growth expected throughout the remainder of the decade and beyond.

Adelaide Age Distribution 2025

Data source: ABS Regional Population by Age and Sex 2024; ABS 2016 Greater Adelaide Census QuickStats; PopulationU Adelaide Demographics 2025

Adelaide’s age structure reveals a metropolitan area with a vibrant, predominantly working-age population that contrasts sharply with the aging profile of regional South Australia. The concentration of residents aged 20 to 44 years comprising 35% of Adelaide’s population compared to just 26% in the rest of the state demonstrates the city’s appeal to young professionals, families, and individuals in their prime working years. This demographic advantage positions Adelaide favorably for sustained economic growth and workforce development.

The median age of 39.2 years in Greater Adelaide sits comfortably below the 47.0 years recorded in regional areas, representing a gap of nearly eight years. This significant difference reflects ongoing urbanization trends as younger residents gravitate toward metropolitan opportunities while regional areas experience population aging. Children aged 0-14 years account for 17.4% of the population, closely balanced with those aged 65 years and over at 17.2%, indicating a relatively balanced generational distribution. The dominant age structure for the City of Adelaide core is 20 to 24 years, accounting for 18.3% of inner-city residents, largely driven by university students and young professionals. The working-age population of 64.8% (those aged 15-64 years) provides Adelaide with a substantial labor force to support economic development and prosperity. Gender differences in median age show males at 37.7 years and females at 40 years, consistent with national patterns where women typically have slightly higher median ages. The youngest suburbs include Munno Para West – Angle Vale with a median age of 30.1 years, attracting young families to Adelaide’s outer northern growth corridor, while coastal retirement destinations like Goolwa – Port Elliot (62.2 years) and Victor Harbor (61.3 years) on the Fleurieu Peninsula have the oldest median ages in the greater metropolitan region.

Adelaide Migration and Country of Birth 2025

Data source: ABS Australia’s Population by Country of Birth 2024; City of Adelaide Community Profile 2021; ABS Regional Population 2024; South Australia Multicultural Population Data 2024

Adelaide’s multicultural composition has evolved significantly over recent decades, with 27.6% of Greater Adelaide residents born overseas as of the 2021 Census, although this proportion remains below the national average of 31.5% as of June 2024. The City of Adelaide core demonstrates much higher cultural diversity with 45.4% of residents born overseas, reflecting the concentration of international students, recent migrants, and young professionals in inner-city apartments and accommodation.

England remains the leading country of birth for overseas-born Adelaide residents at 6.7% of the total population, maintaining historical ties dating back to the city’s founding in 1836. However, the composition of Adelaide’s migrant communities has shifted dramatically toward Asian countries in recent decades. China accounts for 1.8% of Greater Adelaide’s population but represents a remarkable 12.0% of City of Adelaide residents, with concentrations in northeastern and eastern suburbs. The India-born population has grown rapidly to approximately 2.7% of residents, with significant communities in inner suburbs including Enfield, Kilburn, and Park Holme. Vietnam, Italy, and the Philippines each contribute 1.5% to Adelaide’s population, with Vietnamese residents concentrated in northwest and northern suburbs such as Athol Park, Mansfield Park, Pooraka, and Woodville.

The 2023-24 financial year saw Adelaide record net overseas migration of 21,700 people, providing the primary driver of population growth and more than offsetting a net internal migration loss of 3,300 people to other Australian states. Natural increase contributed 3,800 people through births exceeding deaths. Emerging migrant communities from Iran and Afghanistan have established significant presence in northern and western suburbs, while Sri Lankan immigrants favor inner suburbs. The City of Adelaide core experienced the largest net overseas migration gain of 1,400 people, primarily international students and skilled migrants. Adelaide’s relatively lower overseas-born percentage compared to Sydney (39%) and Melbourne (37%) reflects its smaller role in traditional postwar European migration and later Asian migration waves, though this is changing rapidly as Adelaide becomes an increasingly attractive destination for skilled migrants seeking affordable lifestyle opportunities compared to more expensive eastern capitals.

Adelaide Housing and Property Market 2025

Data source: CoreLogic Housing Market Data 2024-2025; TOOP+TOOP Adelaide Property Market Report 2024; Cotality Adelaide Property Market Analysis 2025; OpenAgent Adelaide Market Data 2025

Adelaide’s property market has emerged as one of Australia’s strongest performers throughout 2024 and into 2025, delivering exceptional capital growth that has surprised many analysts. The median house price reached between $814,430 and $865,563 depending on measurement methodology, with annual growth of 13.1% to 13.24% throughout 2024 making Adelaide one of the nation’s top-performing capital city markets. Even more impressive, unit prices increased 15.12%, demonstrating strong demand across all property types and price points.

The quarterly growth rate of 2.1% in Q4 2024 led all Australian capital cities, significantly outpacing Melbourne’s -1.7% decline and Sydney’s -1.3% fall during the same period. Adelaide also exceeded Brisbane/Gold Coast (1.0%) and Perth (1.8%), cementing its position as the nation’s strongest metro property market. Properties spent an average of just 23 days on market, reflecting fierce competition among buyers and limited stock availability. The rental market demonstrates even tighter conditions with a vacancy rate of just 0.8% as of September 2025, creating significant pressure on renters and supporting strong rental growth of 3.7% to 3.9% for houses and 2.8% to 4.1% for units annually. Gross rental yields of 3.7% make Adelaide attractive to property investors seeking reliable income streams combined with capital appreciation potential.

Standout suburb performers included Kilkenny with 32% growth driven by gentrification, West Lakes delivering 24% growth from waterfront appeal, and O’Halloran Hill achieving 21.1% growth attracting first-home buyers. For 2025, suburbs identified for continued strong growth potential include Aldinga (coastal infrastructure expansion), Bridgewater (Hills lifestyle appeal), and Prospect (CBD proximity and urban renewal). Adelaide’s property market stability stands out historically, recording negative growth only twice in 43 years despite major disruptions like the GFC and COVID-19 pandemic. Major Australian banks forecast Adelaide property prices will rise 5-6% in 2025, supported by easing interest rates, housing undersupply, low listings, and relative affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne. The median house price gap between Adelaide and Sydney exceeds $300,000, providing significant value proposition for interstate buyers seeking capital city lifestyle without crushing mortgage costs.

Adelaide Employment and Economy 2025

Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Data 2024; WorkinAdelaide Employment Statistics 2024; Adelaide Economic Development Agency Data 2025; Skills SA Jobs Outlook 2024

Adelaide’s employment landscape reflects a diverse and evolving economy with 939,100 people employed across South Australia as of June 2024, with the vast majority concentrated in the Adelaide metropolitan area. The creation of almost 40,000 jobs since 2022, with over 50% being full-time positions, demonstrates robust economic growth and genuine career opportunities across multiple sectors. The unemployment rate of 4.2% in South Australia as of September 2024 sits marginally above the national average of 4.1%, indicating a stable labor market with solid employment prospects.

Healthcare and social assistance dominates Adelaide’s employment structure, accounting for 17.9% of the workforce in 2024 and 14.3% metro-wide, anchored by Adelaide BioMed City and driven by an aging population requiring expanded medical services. Major employers include hospitals (4.5% of employment), aged care residential services (3.1%), and allied health professionals. Retail trade employs 11.4% of workers with supermarkets and grocery stores representing 2.9% alone, while manufacturing maintains 10.3% employment share despite structural changes, with advanced manufacturing and defense projects sustaining the sector. Education and training accounts for 8.2% of employment and continues growing, particularly in early childhood education following universal preschool expansion and with international education becoming South Australia’s largest export at $3.23 billion with 59,000 international student enrolments in 2024.

Adelaide workers contribute significantly to the city economy, with the average city worker spending $72 per day or $274 per week, generating a collective $205 million monthly and $2.5 billion annually according to Adelaide Economic Development Agency data. Top employment categories include professionals (21.8%), clerical and administrative workers (15.5%), technicians and trades workers (13.9%), managers (11.0%), and community and personal service workers (10.7%). Emerging high-growth sectors for 2025 include technology and IT (cybersecurity, data science, software development), renewable energy (solar and wind projects), space industry (Australian Space Agency at Lot 14), defense manufacturing (AUKUS submarine projects), and agriculture innovation (Waite research precinct). Victoria University employment forecasts predict that by 2035, education and training will overtake construction as one of South Australia’s top three employing industries. The Jobs and Skills Outlook 2024 report predicts over 146,000 new qualifications will be needed to fill skilled jobs in the next five years, with over half achievable through vocational education and training, creating significant opportunities for career development and workforce entry across diverse sectors.

Adelaide Cost of Living 2025

Data source: GrowPro Adelaide Cost of Living Guide 2025; Expatistan Cost of Living Data 2025; Austate Furniture Adelaide Living Costs 2025; Multiple Cost Comparison Sources

Adelaide’s cost of living represents one of the city’s most compelling advantages, offering significantly lower expenses compared to Australia’s eastern capital cities while maintaining high quality of life and comprehensive amenities. Total monthly living costs range from $1,270 to $3,800 AUD (approximately $840 to $2,512 USD) depending on lifestyle choices, accommodation arrangements, and personal spending patterns. This range makes Adelaide substantially more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, providing better value for students, young professionals, and families.

Housing costs vary considerably by location and arrangement, ranging from $600 to $2,400 monthly or $150 to $600 weekly. City center and Adelaide Hills areas command premium rents averaging $613 weekly ($2,452 monthly) while northern suburbs offer more affordable options around $529 weekly ($2,116 monthly). The current rental vacancy rate of 0.8% creates competitive conditions, though Adelaide remains far more accessible than eastern capitals. For buyers, the median house price of approximately $814,430 to $865,563 represents excellent value, sitting more than $300,000 below Sydney’s median and offering genuine home ownership prospects for middle-income families.

Utilities for a standard four-person household average $450 monthly covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, though South Australia’s climate requires both heating in winter and air conditioning during hot summers. Internet services cost $60-$80 monthly for high-speed connections with over 250 free Wi-Fi zones throughout the city. Mobile phone plans range $40-$100 monthly depending on data allowances. Public transport is efficient and affordable with a 28-day Metro card pass costing $119 providing unlimited access to buses, trains, and trams, while individual trips range $2.50-$4.55. Fuel prices as of August 2025 stood at approximately $1.89 per liter for diesel and $2.04 for unleaded petrol.

Grocery costs typically require $240-$800 monthly ($60-$200 weekly) depending on dietary preferences and household size, with basic items like dozen eggs costing around $6. Restaurant meals range $15-$30 for simple dining experiences, while entertainment options like movie tickets ($20), Adelaide Zoo admission ($46), and nightlife ($50-$150) provide affordable leisure opportunities. Adelaide Botanic Garden offers free entry. The city’s cost of living is demonstrably 15% lower than Melbourne and an impressive 30% lower than Sydney, with particularly significant savings in housing, transportation, and general living expenses. This affordability advantage, combined with Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, expanding employment opportunities, and lifestyle amenities, makes it an increasingly attractive destination for Australians seeking better value without sacrificing urban convenience or career prospects.

Adelaide Future Population Projections 2025

Data source: PlanSA Population Projections 2023; Centre for Population 2024 Statement; South Australia Regional Planning Forecasts; McCrindle Adelaide Demographics Analysis

Adelaide’s future population growth appears robust under all projection scenarios, with official South Australian government planning documents forecasting the Greater Adelaide Planning Region will expand from 1.52 million in 2021 to between 2.01 million (medium scenario) and 2.19 million (high scenario) by 2051. The medium projection represents an increase of 489,900 people, while the high growth scenario adds 672,400 residents over the 30-year projection period.

The annual growth rate is projected to peak during the 2021-2031 decade at 1.22% before gradually declining to approximately 0.8% by 2041-2051 as population aging and slower natural increase temper overall expansion rates. Adelaide’s share of South Australia’s total population is expected to increase from 84% in 2021 to approximately 86% by 2051, reflecting ongoing urbanization trends as regional populations age and metropolitan opportunities attract working-age residents and families. Over the next decade alone, Adelaide is predicted to add approximately 200,000 additional residents by the mid-2030s.

Growth within the Greater Adelaide Planning Region will be heavily concentrated in areas with expanding housing supply and employment opportunities. The seven sub-regions within the Greater Adelaide Capital City Statistical Area (GACC) will capture the majority of population increase due to proximity to the CBD and established infrastructure. Top growth Local Government Areas projected for 2021-2041 include outer growth corridors in the north (Playford, Gawler), south (Onkaparinga, Mount Barker), and west of the city. Population distribution will be driven by assumptions about spatial distribution of future land supply and development opportunities, with inner-city densification and suburban expansion occurring simultaneously.

Demographic factors supporting continued growth include net overseas migration remaining elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, though with gradual normalization; natural increase remaining positive despite declining fertility rates; and interstate migration showing improving trends as Adelaide’s affordability and lifestyle advantages attract residents from more expensive eastern capitals. The city’s reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities, ranking 3rd globally in the 2021 EIU rankings, combined with expanding employment opportunities in healthcare, technology, space industry, defense manufacturing, and renewable energy, positions Adelaide to sustain strong population growth throughout coming decades. The challenge will be ensuring housing supply, infrastructure capacity, and service provision keep pace with population expansion to maintain the quality of life that makes Adelaide attractive to residents and migrants.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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