Cheltenham (SA)

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Cheltenham (SA) has an estimated population of approximately 2,286 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census. When compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 2,236 residents, this represents a growth of 50 individuals (2.2%). This shift is calculated from a resident population of 2,265, which was estimated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP statistics release (June 2025) and an additional 24 verified new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 2,005 residents per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations evaluated by Districts. The primary driver of population growth in the area was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 87.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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Cheltenham features a qualified resident workforce with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 2.4%, and an estimated job growth of 5.6% over the past year, according to Districts data compiled from statistical areas. As of March 2026, there are 1,284 working residents, and the unemployment rate is 1.5% below the Greater Adelaide rate of 3.8%, while the labor force participation rate matches Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census data reveals that a low 9.5% of workers operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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According to the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, Cheltenham taxpayers have a median income of $54,297 and an average income of $60,425. This sits below the national average and compares to a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 in Greater Adelaide. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $59,819 (median) and $66,570 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Cheltenham are modest, ranking between the 37th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution figures show that 32.1% of the population (733 residents) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, which is highly consistent with the wider region where this same group makes up . After housing expenses, residents retain of their income for other living costs, and the suburb ranks in the th decile of the SEIFA income index.

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The mix of housing in Cheltenham at the latest Census consisted of 81.1% separate houses and 18.9% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other housing types), compared to 75.2% separate houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metro area. Home ownership rates in Cheltenham were notably higher than the Adelaide metro average, standing at 36.1%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (42.3%) or rented (21.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the suburb was higher than the Adelaide metro average at $1,602, whereas the median weekly rent was $290, compared to $1,562 and $320 for Adelaide metro. Looking nationally, mortgage payments in Cheltenham are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably below the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households represent the majority of dwellings at 65.5%, which includes 27.9% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 11.5% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 34.5% of homes, consisting of lone-person households at 32.0% and group households at 2.5%. The median household occupancy of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment levels in Cheltenham are lower than regional averages, with 23.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference points to opportunities for future educational growth and professional training. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 33.4% of the population aged 15 and over possessing vocational certificates, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (24.4%).

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An evaluation of public transport options shows 11 active transit stops in Cheltenham, featuring a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, which support a total of 743 weekly passenger journeys. Transport accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 193 meters from their nearest stop. Because Cheltenham is primarily residential, the majority of working residents travel out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel option at 84%, followed by trains at 8%. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A low 9.5% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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Health indicators for Cheltenham align closely with national averages, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. Normal health issues are moderately distributed across both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 51% of the population (about 1,163 residents).

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Cheltenham displays higher cultural diversity than average, with 20.4% of its residents born outside of Australia and 16.7% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in the suburb, followed by 50.6% of the population. The most distinct variance from regional averages is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.4% of the local population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age of residents in Cheltenham is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the 55 - 64 age bracket is noticeably larger (16.1% locally), while the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller (11.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.8% to 5.7%, while the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 14.2% to 13.2%. Long-term population forecasts for 2041 suggest notable demographic shifts for Cheltenham. The 75 to 84 age bracket is expected to grow substantially, increasing by individuals () from to . Conversely, the to age group is projected to have very small growth of , adding only children.

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Cheltenham currently has an estimated 105 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 77 children aged 0-2 and 50 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 115 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 176. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally.