Highbury (SA)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Highbury (SA) has a population estimated at approximately 7,394 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 438 individuals (6.3%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 6,956 residents. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 7,365, which Districts estimated after evaluating the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an extra 26 validated new addresses post-Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1,703 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figures recorded across locations assessed nationally by Districts. The 6.3% growth rate since the census sits within 1.2 percentage points of the state average (7.5%), highlighting competitive local growth dynamics. Population gains were primarily supported by overseas migration, which made up roughly 48.0% of the total increase during recent times, though natural increase and interstate migration also registered positive contributions.

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Highbury has a well-educated labor force with strong representation in essential services, a minor unemployment rate of 1.4%, and an estimated job growth rate of 0.8% over the past year, calculated from Districts statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, 4,057 local citizens are employed. The local unemployment rate sits 2.4% below the 3.8% recorded for Greater Adelaide, while workforce participation is comparable to the Greater Adelaide level of 66.6%. Census data indicates a low 11.7% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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The most recent postcode level ATO statistics from Districts for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in Highbury are below the national averages, with a median of $53,602 and an average of $65,110. This is lower than the Greater Adelaide median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, updated figures would be roughly $59,053 for the median and $71,732 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and personal incomes in Highbury around the 63rd percentile nationally. The largest income bracket contains 34.6% of the population earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (representing 2,558 residents), which is similar to the broader region where fall into this bracket. Once housing expenses are paid, residents retain of their income, demonstrating healthy purchasing capacity, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in Highbury consisted of 97.4% houses and 2.6% other options like semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to the Adelaide metro split of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Highbury was significantly higher than the Adelaide metro average, standing at 42.4%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (45.4%) or rented (12.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was notably higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562, while the median weekly rent of $369 also exceeded the regional average of $320. On a national scale, mortgage repayments in Highbury are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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Family households constitute 81.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 38.8%, couples without children at 32.5%, and single parent households at 10.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.3%, consisting of single-person households at 16.7% and group housing arrangements at 1.6%. The typical household size is 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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University graduation rates in Highbury, representing 30.1% of residents aged 15 and over, are slightly higher than the South Australian average of 25.7%, showing a competitive educational profile. Bachelor degrees are held by 20.6% of the population, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational and trade qualifications are also common, with 33.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials such as advanced diplomas (11.4%) or certificates (22.1%).

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Public transport data shows 28 active stops located within Highbury, serviced by a combination of bus routes. Residents have access to 7 distinct routes, which accommodate 480 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 289 meters from their nearest transit point. Being a residential suburb, the majority of working residents commute elsewhere, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 87%, and buses used by 10%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars, exceeding the regional average. Working from home is relatively low at 11.7%, according to 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic-era dynamics.

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Analysis of medical indicators shows highly positive health outcomes in Highbury. Evaluated via mortality rates and chronic health issues by Districts, the area shows very low rates of common illnesses across all ages. Private health insurance coverage is slightly ahead of the average SA2 area, representing approximately 53% of the population, or roughly 3,899 residents.

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Highbury exhibits higher cultural diversity than average, with 23.4% of its residents born outside of Australia and 16.6% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 53.2% of residents. The most noticeable variation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.9% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age of 40 in Highbury is close to the Greater Adelaide average of 39, and slightly older than the Australian average of 38. The 15 to 24 age bracket is strongly represented at 14.1% compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25 to 34 demographic is less common at 11.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 6.4% to 8.1% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 12.8% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 group fell from 11.8% to 9.9% and the 45 to group decreased from to . Demographic projections for point to significant changes in Highbury's age profile. The shift is led by the and over cohort, which is expected to grow by (an increase of people) to reach from . On the other hand, the cohort aged to is projected to decrease by people.

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Highbury currently has an estimated 377 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 215 children aged 0-2 and 142 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 404 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 675. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.