Parafield Gardens (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 Parafield Gardens's population is estimated at around 18,612 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 145 people (0.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,467 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,589, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 82 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,647 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. Over the past decade, the suburb of Parafield Gardens has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.0% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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The suburb of Parafield Gardens possesses a capable workforce with strong representation in the industrial and production fields, exhibiting an unemployment rate of 6.1% and a relatively steady job market over the past year, according to compiled statistical area data from Districts. In March 2026, working residents numbered 8,424, while the local jobless rate stood 2.3% higher than the Greater Adelaide figure of 3.8%, and the participation rate of 59.8% fell short of the 66.6% recorded across Greater Adelaide. Census answers indicated that a low 5.4% of the working population operated from home, though the influence of pandemic restrictions should be taken into account.

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Based on compiled data from the most recent postcode-level ATO records for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Parafield Gardens recorded a median income of $46,236 and an average income of $50,323. These figures sit below the national benchmarks and compare to median and average sums of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a 10.17% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures for March 2026 would be roughly $50,938 for the median and $55,441 for the average. Census records show household income sits at the 27th percentile with a weekly figure of $1,384, while individual income is placed at the 10th percentile. Income distribution statistics show the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket includes 34.4% of the population, representing people, which aligns with regional patterns where fall into this bracket. Affordable housing is under significant pressure, with residents retaining just of their income, placing the area in the th percentile.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Parafield Gardens at the time of the latest Census consisted of 89.5% separate houses and 10.5% alternative dwellings including duplexes, units, and other housing types, compared to metropolitan Adelaide where houses made up 75.2% and other dwellings accounted for 24.9%. Home ownership in the suburb of Parafield Gardens was lower than the metropolitan average at 28.8%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (41.9%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,382, which is lower than the metropolitan Adelaide median of $1,562, while the median weekly rental cost was $300, compared to $320 across metropolitan Adelaide. On a national scale, mortgage payments in the suburb of Parafield Gardens are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 76.8%, consisting of couples with offspring at 38.1%, couples without children at 21.9%, and single parents with children at 15.2%. The remaining 23.2% of households are non-family units, with single occupant homes representing 20.4% and shared group households accounting for 2.7%. The typical household size stands at 2.9 individuals, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide median of 2.5.

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The locality presents educational disparities, with university degree attainment at 18.9%, which is lower than the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear need and opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the largest segment at 13.2%, with postgraduate degrees at 4.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Practical and vocational qualifications are common, with 29.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding certificate or diploma qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 7.5% and certificates at 22.1%.

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Analysis of the local transit network shows 71 operational public transport stops in the suburb of Parafield Gardens, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops accommodate 18 different routes that provide a total of 1,098 passenger services per week. Transit access is rated as good, with properties situated an average of 206 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars being the main transport mode at 91% and buses accounting for 5%. Households average 1.5 vehicles. A small proportion of 5.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health indicators highlight notable difficulties in the suburb of Parafield Gardens, according to an evaluation of death rates and long-term illness by Districts. Chronic illnesses are common among both younger and older residents, and the proportion of the population with private health insurance is low at approximately 47%, which equals about 8,736 individuals. This is lower than the 52.7% recorded in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Parafield Gardens demonstrates a high degree of multicultural representation, with 42.5% of residents born outside Australia and 46.3% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the largest religious group, representing 36.4% of the population. The most prominent religious concentration relative to wider trends is Buddhism, which is practiced by 7.6% of the community, higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4%.

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The median age of residents in the suburb of Parafield Gardens is 36 years, slightly younger than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, the suburb of Parafield Gardens has a higher proportion of children aged 5 to 14 years at 13.2% but fewer seniors aged 75 to 84 years at 5.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of seniors aged 75 to 84 years grew from 4.7% to 5.6%, while the 5 to 14 age group contracted from 14.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, the demographic profile is projected to change, with the 45 to 54 cohort increasing by (representing people) to reach residents compared to . An aging trend is evident as people aged and over make up of the projected growth, while declines are expected in the to and to age brackets.

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Parafield Gardens currently has an estimated 1,135 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 686 children aged 0-2 and 457 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 8% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 1,100 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,965. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.