Bedford Park (SA)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Bedford Park's population is estimated at around 2,168 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 286 people (15.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,882 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,168, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 812 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by Districts. Bedford Park's 15.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.2%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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A highly qualified labor force is present locally, with significant representation in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and an annual job growth rate estimated at 5.0% using aggregated data. In March 2026, 1,223 local citizens were employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.6% higher than the 3.8% recorded for Greater Adelaide, and labor participation sitting lower than average at 64.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census data indicates only 8.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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The local income level trails the national average according to ATO statistics compiled for the 2023 financial year. Taxpayer statistics show a median income of $34,602 and an average income of $43,608, compared to Greater Adelaide figures of $54,808 and $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current figures are estimated at approximately $38,121 for the median and $48,043 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes sit at the 2nd percentile ($470 weekly), whereas household earnings perform stronger at the 32nd percentile. The dominant income group represents 33.9% of households, earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly ( residents), which is comparable to the wider region where this bracket accounts for . Housing cost burdens are prominent, leaving residents with only of their income, which ranks in the rd percentile.

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Residential stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 69.4% freestanding houses and 30.7% alternative dwellings, such as units, townhouses, and other formats, compared to the Adelaide metro split of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership rates trail the metropolitan average, sitting at 28.3%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (20.1%) or tenants (51.6%). Median monthly mortgage costs are higher than the Adelaide metro average at $1,600, while median weekly rent is lower at $290, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $1,562 and $320. On a national scale, local mortgage outlays are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 55.9%, consisting of couples with children at 20.5%, couples without children at 26.8%, and single-parent arrangements at 8.2%. The remaining 44.1% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 27.7% and group housing making up 15.8%. The median household occupancy of 2.5 residents is identical to the average across Greater Adelaide.

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Academic qualifications are exceptionally high compared to broader averages, with 40.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.1% within the SA4 region. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge sector roles. Undergraduate degrees are the most common at 27.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.6%. Vocational education is held by 22.8% of residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (6.7%) and certificates (16.1%).

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Public transit networks include 31 active bus and train stops within the suburb of Bedford Park. These stations are connected to 52 distinct routes, which combine to offer 3,464 passenger departures each week. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 198 meters from their nearest transit point. Because the suburb is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the area; private vehicles remain the main transit method at 67%, followed by buses at 14% and walking at 9%. Average car ownership is 1.2 vehicles per household, which is lower than the metropolitan standard. A lower-than-average 8.3% of the workforce worked from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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The local community experiences notable health difficulties, according to data on mortality and chronic illness rates, with common conditions observed across demographic groups, though more heavily concentrated in older cohorts, and private medical insurance levels are low at approximately 44% of the population (~960 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

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High levels of multicultural diversity are evident, with 43.1% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 49.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religion, practiced by 33.5% of residents. The most notable religious variance is in Buddhism, which accounts for 6.7% of the community compared to 2.4% across Greater Adelaide.

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Having a median age of 26, the local population is much younger than the Greater Adelaide median of 39 and the national median of 38. The demographic profile is heavily weighted toward the 15 to 24 age bracket, which accounts for 35.3% of residents, while the 5 to 14 cohort is smaller at 4.2% compared to Greater Adelaide. The proportion of young people aged 15 to 24 is higher than the national average of 12.7%. Recent post-Census trends show a youthful shift as the median age dropped from 28 to 26. Key demographic shifts include the 25 to 34 age group increasing from 23.4% to 26.3% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rising from to . In contrast, the to group fell from to , while the to group decreased from to . Projections for indicate further changes, with the to cohort expected to grow by , adding residents to reach a total of while the to and to cohorts are expected to contract.

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Bedford Park currently has an estimated 71 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 50 children aged 0-2 and 32 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 42% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 76 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 169. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.